In no particular order within each increment:
1-4:
-St George Illawarra Dragons: Big Red V won't be quite as dominant, but will certainly still be up there. No Wayne Bennett coached team, with the talent they have will do poorly. I can't see them dropping off too much.
-Wests Tigers: I liked what I saw in the back half of 2010. Provided Benji remains fit, they should still be there. They have Timmy Moltzen back too, which can only be good for them. I guess what happens to Lui will be a telling sign.
-Brisbane Broncos: Surely they'll be back. The younger kids will a have a year under their belt, and Inglis and Hodges lining up in the centres should be pretty impressive, though I really don't think Inglis will set the game on fire when he gets in the grind.
-Melbourne Storm: I had to put my boys back here! Won't be as good as the "golden" era, but we still have a pretty handy 1-7-9. And they have more motivation than ever before.
5-8:
-Sydney Roosters: If injuries are kind to them, they shouldn't drop off too much. Some say they overachieved this year, but I think they've still got a lot to offer.
-Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: with some decent signings, they should be back in the winners' circle.
-South Sydney Rabbitohs: Should scrape in, and would have this year if it weren't for injuries to many key men.
-Gold Coast Titans: Provided Scotty Prince is well, the Titans should go reasonably well.
9-12:
-Parramatta Eels: I expect huge improvements from Parramatta. The Eels are always hard to pick, as they always defy expectations. If it weren't for Kearney, they'd be lower. It just depends on their halves. If they manage to sign a decent half, or just get their rookies to fire (a la 2009), they'll make the 8.
-Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: I expect a big year from Brett Stewart - I'd love to see him in a Sky Blue Jersey again. But I just have doubts about their halves this time round.
-Penrith Panthers: I just don't think the boys from the base of the mountains can do it like they did this year, I just think they'll have a year like the Bulldogs did this year. I sincerely hope not, as I have always had a soft spot for them, being born a Mountains boy. But I just don't see them being at the top again.
-New Zealand Warriors: Like the Eels, the Warriors always defy expectations. After a good end to the year, I just don't think the Wariors will be up there again. I just hope Maloney doesn't suffer the Second Year Syndrome.
13-16:
-Cronulla Sharks: Tough defence should see them make up for limitations in attack.
-North Queensland Cowboys: Some good signings, and some clear improvements, but I just don't think they can turn it around so quickly. I mean, once Thurston goes down, like he does every year, they're going to have it tough.
-Canberra Raiders: If Campese is gone for as long as they say, the Raiders are in big trouble. But when he gets back, they should surge well..but I'm not confident it will be enough. If Campese gets back early, and maintains the form, move this mob up a couple of groups!
-Newcastle Knights: The same as 2010 really. I just haven't seen any big reasons for them to improve.
