1 Storm – defending premiers deserve to be favourites and should make it back to back titles
2 Manly – will be better than last year and be Melbourne’s main rivals
3 Cowboys – look so good on paper and will win most home games
4 Eels – awesome backline but halfback still a problem
5 Warriors – the crowds are back and so are the warriors
6 Panthers – due for a good year they have too much talent to be losing
7 Brisbane – always seem competitive and should continue that trend
8 Roosters – slowly building up once again after a few years off the pace
9 Dragons – pressure on Brown to win but have missed past opportunities
10 Bulldogs –season depends on how Holdsworth or Sullivan go at halfback
11 Souths – I think another year before they start to be a real force but could sneak in the 8
12 Sharks – still lack a dominant outside back
13 Canberra – could push for a top 8 if forwards stay injury free
14 Titans – depth still a problem
15 Tigers – are a young team that needs to be more consistent
16 Newcastle – in a rebuilding phase, don’t see them troubling too many teams
Top 5 teams are the only real contenders imo with Brisbane a dark horse, bottom 8 sides closely bunched on similar points
