I think the bottom three will be Cronulla, Warriors and Storm.
Cronulla lost a lot of experience in key positions. I.E. David Peachey and Jason Stevens. While they signed Ben Ross...he has had a rather disappointing year himself.
Ben Pomeroy was supposed to be back in 3 weeks from a groin injury he sustained in New Zealand when we were away..since then he did not return. It is an injury that has the habit of re-occuring and causing problem's his whole career. So Cronulla overspent with that $200,000 they threw his way.
While the acquisition of Darren Albert is positive...the lack of a quality fullback to guide the team around the park is a worry. I think the Sharks are re-building in 2006 signing young players such as new recruit Pee Wee Moke etc for an assault on the premiership in 2007. I don't expect big things.
Warriors well...you can't lose a guy like Stacey Jones and be successful. He is an inspirational player and leader to the warriors who will be sorely missed. I feel Fein, Rovelli or Hohaia will have to step up in a HUGE way to even put the warriors on the radar for the 8. If they do...there is no telling where they can finish. They have the talent...but just not the attitude.
The Storm...Same as warriors. Young Cooper Cronk will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to carry this team. They will also be the most ill disciplined team in the competition with guys like Ben Cross, Michael Crocker and David Kidwell leading them around. They have also lost their strike centre, and inspirational Captain in Robbie Kearns. Matt Orford is a huge loss and if Scott Hill has his customary 15 games out of the seasons again...Storm could be in a heap of trouble. They are rebuilding also...but their backline has a lot of talent. Their forward pack is alright...but not enough discipline to threaten for the top 8.
The top 2 will be Parramatta and the Tigers. I feel the Tigers will win the comp next year. and I think these two will be the grand finalists without a shadow of a doubt.
The Tigers have bought so smartly and added to positions and added players who thrive and absolutely hammer at those positions. The loss of Pat Richards is huge, but the retention of Brett Hodgson, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Robbie Farah will prove vital for their success. Purchases such as Keith Galloway and Ryan O'Hara gives them much needed bulk up front and if O'Hara can somehow manage to stay fit the entire season...there is no telling how good he can be.
