I think Souths will imrpove significantly next season, under the guidance of Richardson and McRae. I dont think they'll contend for the top 8 though, that will be more realistic for 2006 i believe. Next season should see them compete more consistantly.
This season it was said souths would challenge for the 8, as i thought that was a forlorn hope before the season even started and to see them sitting where they are now is no surprise. Still proven to be whipping boys sadly,
Nest season though, the addition of Hegarty( very interested to see how he fares in a struggling side as opposed to the roosters), and the hardworking Cusak and Logan should add some consistant starch. For me , these 3 arent gonna change much for the Bunnies. I think its gotta come from guys like MCDougall and Harrison. If those two fire the bunnies will improve.
I'd say at this stage the bunnies should expect to finish in fairly similar position to this season. lets be honest, Manly have improved as much as souths while Parra wont sit so low and the Warriors well Wiki and Price will bring a lot more to their side.
At the end of the day what will happen is the competition will become tighter than this season currently is which is great.