Too soon to really split hairs but just seem brief thoughts looking ahead.
Manly - Should be there abouts but I can see a couple of their senior players slowing down and a few of the young players being unable to handle the pressure of being the defending premiers. Hasler's future will seal their premiership chances.
Warriors - On paper, you'd think they'd improve but with a new coach and some youngsters coming through I can see them stagnating and maybe getting as far as week two of the finals. I expect to see a lot of them in the finals this decade and a premiership will eventually arrive.
Melbourne - I'm sounding very generous, but I expect Storm to remain on top. I expect to see Cronk, Slater and Smith to at least collect one legit. premiership in their careers and with some of their youngsters getting that valuable experience this season and more on the way I can see them going two steps further next year.
Brisbane - First time that I think will slip, and it's largely got to do with the Locky factor. Say what you will, but at least with Locky steering the ship I had some confidence, with Wallace I have very little. Their hopes really depend on just how well either Hunt or Norman step up next year. I expect them to be in the mix for the Top 8. But that's about it. Glad to see Civo back though.
Tigers - Just when you think they're making progress they find a way to let themselves down. Hopefully Sheens has reshuffled the side enough for one season to finally knuckle down and let them develop. At this stage, I'm expecting another Week 3 finish.
Dragons - First side I expect to dip outside the Top 8. A bold prediction, especially for a club that was so consistent but without Bennett and Boyd and some of their 'let's buy whoever we can and see what can stick' recruitment I feel that their reign at the top is over, for now.
Cowboys - Indeed the toughest team to predict. I think 2012 is going to be a transitional year where the likes of Bowen, Payne, Hall, Tate and Johnson will begin to bow out and let the younger brigade take over. In the mix.
Knights - Everything is looking up at Newcastle. Rome wasn't built in a day and I can't see Bennett winning a premiership in his first year BUT Newcastle will definitely be on the improve and I can see them improving and building towards a premiership.
Bulldogs - Need to know who's coaching them. Have a squad capable of playing finals football, but need guidance.
Rabbitohs - Wooden spoon contenders.
Roosters - Well in the mix. They have a lot of talent to make a case for the Top 8 but don't think they'll go all the way. The likes of Minichiello and Anasta don't fill me with any hope. But hopefully Smith has learnt his lesson with Friend, some of the 20's can make that step up and the Roosters will feature somewhere in the 8.
Penrith - Rebuilding year, will see how they go in 2013.
Sharks - Another tough ol' season coming up for the Sharks.
Parra - Think they'll finish just outside the top 8 but will give their supporters something to celebrate next season.
Canberra - Sort of forgotten aren't they? Another side in the mix, thought they unveiled a lot of good juniors last season and the side still has plenty of improvement.
Titans - I expect them to replicate the Dogs 2011 season. Improvement...but will struggle for cohesion at times.
