My predictions will probably change throughout the course of the finals series and the off season, including preseason form and also forgetting my order for the next 10-20 of theese treads throughout the off season, but based on predicted line ups:
1. Parramatta - I think that with a full season under his belt and a finals series, Tim Smith will excel next year. After a slow start to 2005, the Eels have done very well and I think they've got the right balance.
2. Brisbane - they are due to stop this end of season slide, and if injuries stay away from their key players, as well as a typical strong start to the year, I think they'll finish 2nd after the regular season.
3. Newcastle - They have a good young side, as well as a lot of guys who stepped up this year. If Johns can stay fit, then 3rd isn't beyond them, however if he is injured for a long period again, expect them to miss the finals completely.
4. Storm - They are losing Orford, Bell and Kearns, but in the process they've got Cronk, Inglis and Crocker. Crocker is no Kearns, but I think the other spots are well and truly covered. Also the success of Norths in QRL will ensure more young forwards will come through.
5. Dragons - This year they have finally found some consistency towards the end of the year, but given they've had a good run, more injuries are just around the corner for them. They will be tough to beat, but will struggle through at least 1 injury crisis.
6. Wests - They will suffer the same syndrome the Cowboys did this year. They've got a good young, fearless side who have played with no expectation and nothing to lose this year, but the pressure next season and also sides watching them more closely and lifting to beat them, will see them struggle like the Cowboys have at times this year.
7. Cowboys - They will be at their flamboyant best in 2006, but with no really big signings, and the loss of Rauhihi who has been the backbone of their forwards, they will struggle against bigger packs. Firman will go within the first 10 rounds and McConnell will take over, as well as some more of their Young Guns from Qld Cup.
8. Bulldogs - I think they will just slip into the 8. The loss of Anasta and Lolesi will impact on them, but they weren't far off the mark this year with SBW, Tonga and Mason all missing big chunks of the year, not to mention the other niggling injuries along the way.
9. Manly - They will just miss out in 06. They played beyond themselves this year and their back 5 still looks weak, despite Stewart and Bell. Orford will be good for them, as will Kennedy but I can't see them staying consistent enough.
10. Souths - I think they will miss the 8 by 2-4 points, but the side no one wants to sign with, will attract a big name or two in 2006.
11. Roosters - Anasta will make little difference to them, seeing he has played as another forward this year, rather than a 5/8. Harrison will be a big gain in the forwards, but next year will be a lean year, even though Finch will be dropped to Premier League before the origin series.
12. Raiders - if they can stay fit, they will cause some upsets, but they don't have the strength to consistently beat the top sides. They were lucky to avoid the spoon this year IMO.
13. Panthers - another lean year up ahead for the panthers, that said, I think they will be only 6 points behind 8th and look back again at the close games they should've won.
14. Warriors - the loss of Jones will hurt them, but a fit Price will keep the troops going forward. Too many negatives going on at the club at the moment, it needs some stability.
15. Sharks - played above their ability in the opening half of the season, which in turn secured their spot in the 8. Kimmorley was in his best form of recent times, but faded out just as quickly. The loss of Stevens, Peachey and Sullivan will hurt them.
Gold Coast TBA's - They'll make some more good signings during 2006 and should field a quality side for 07.
