These predictions are good for the Eels.
As has been said Parra always do well when tipped to finish at the bottom and usually do well after a miserable season. They are a massive question mark though, I'll admit.
If they actually play for the coach they'll make the top 8, if they find a half that can lead them around the park they could be top 4.
Even if they have a shocker I can't see them finishing lower than 11th or 12th. They had shocker this season and still were only 2 wins from the top 8.
The players we are losing won't make a difference. Cayless has been irrelevant for a long time and Moi Moi, Poore and Mannah are as good or better than most teams' top 3 props. Inu has been carried by the team since his 1st season and usually did more harm than good. Keating never lived up to his potential. Mateo could single handedly win a game with his brilliance, those games were too few and far between though.
1. Illawarra - MP but IMO will be back to old selves in the finals.
2. Roosters - The GF will do them well for next season, could slip a little bit though.
3. Titans - The new Dragons, regular season specials but shooting blanks in the finals.
4. Storm - Still have plenty of quality in key positions, will make some noise in the finals I reckon.
5. Panthers - A bit like the Titans, I can see them making the finals but not doing much after that.
6. Eels - ???? with a half that can lead the team they can be top 4, if they play badly they'll just miss the 8, so 6th is a good target.
These teams are going to battle it out for 7th and 8th and could finish in any order, so disregard the numbers. Injuries could play a big part in these spots.
7. Tigers - ??? I have no idea about them, they could go top 4 or they could finish 12th, I have nfi.
8. Broncos - Need to stay healthy.
9. Raiders - If Campese was healthy I'd have them top 8, I think they'll struggle.
10. Souffs - Maybe if they stay healthy they might crack the 8.
11. Bulldogs - I really wanted to put them lower but like Parra I can't see them having 2 shocking years in a row.
12. Warriors - Mateo? he could be great for them, or Cleary could be pulling his hair out if the 2010 Mateo turns up.
IMO these teams should be planning for 2012, they may provide some nuisance value though. Again disregard the numbers, they could finish in any order.
13. Manly
14. Knights
15. Cowboys
16. Sharks
