1. Cowboys - I think the Cowboys could be in for a big season next season, they were disappointing at the back end of last season. 2012 could be there year they were hurt by injuries in the back end. They have a stack of quality players Thurston,Bowen Payne,Scott,Tariq Sims,Johnson. Plus they have good juniors coming through since the Toyota Cup side should of won the premiership. I think they have a strong core with some emerging talent coming through and they will make the Grand Final.
2. Storm - With the Bellamy system and the big 3 they will always be up there.
3. Knights - I think they have recruited well and i think they will be very tough to beat at home, Bennett is the big factor obviously but i think the signing of Snowden adds some go forward which is something they have lacked for a while.
4. Sea Eagles - There will be a slight drop off for Manly as there was in 09, but another team which has a system in place to succeed.
5. Tigers - They will be pretty much the same as this season, they are capable of anything with Benji it will be interesting to see how Blair goes since they got rid of so many players to fit him in.
6. Warriors - I think they might start slow this season is a massive test for them a good season this year and i think they will be in the top 4 for many seasons to come.
7. Dragons - I think St George will have a decent season i think the signings of Vidot and Moltzen are both quality signings. But they have lost a couple of key men it will be interesting who they pick in the centres i wouldn't mind seeing Nightingale given a run.
8. Rabbitohs - They will make the eight finally. Reynolds will prove to be a solid half back and the team will have some direction. I think they will have a good year.
9. Bulldogs - I think there halves might let them down. Tolman and Graham in the front row will make them tough to beat.
10. Broncos - I like the Broncos it just depends who is going to play five eighth, Wallace is a decent foil for Lockyer but if the responsibility is on him to carry the play making duties it could be a tough year.
11. Raiders - I am unsure of the coach this time last year i thought they were certainties for the last 4. They have a squad capable of doing great things i am just concerned at the nepotism i heard Justin Morgan might be coming in as an assistant this may help them realize there potential. The difference between where i have the Knights and the Raiders is only down to coaching.
12. Eels - I am not sold on Stephen Kearney or even Chris Sandow. John Lang always get's the best out of indiginous players he let's them play what's in front of them. Wesser,Campbell,Roberts,Peachey. All played there best football under Lang. Sandow will be asked to be a Cooper Cronk clone and i am not sure if he is that type of halfback.
13. Titans - Same as Brisbane though Prince is more past it and Campbell is gone, There forwards should be better Douglas is the most underrated player in the game in my opinion. Myles was superb for the Roosters throughout most of his tenure. Idris is up in the air he could be a fantastic buy or one of the worst ever.
14. Roosters - Hardest team to judge in my opinion, Carney circus is finally away from them but he was what made them so good in 09. They really could finish anywhere on the table, Brian Smith is a good coach at getting teams you don't think much of to perform at a higher level.
15. Sharks - This could be the best and most entertaining Sharks team in 10 years but after so many years of losing it is hard to tip them. Losing Snowden and Douglas is a blow but Gibbs and Fifita are both decent enough. De Gois is a quality dummy half and a great signing. I think it is all down to confidence i think if they start well they could easily make the top 8.
16. Panthers - Rebuilding year Penrith with a better coach and better run with injuries could even squeeze into the eight. Signings haven't really been inspiring except Daniela who should come in for Purtell. Losing Petero is a massive blow losing Bell also is a minor one. It will be interesting to see what Penrith do int he halves this year, Between Sjeika,Austin,Burns and Walsh they have to find the right combination. I think also Penrith lack an explosive back rower Lewis is one of the best players in the NRL but then you have Nigel Plum and Nathan Smith next to him Penrith need an explosive hard running back rower from somewhere.
All in all nearly impossible to choose a day after the season. Every team in the NRL next season has a chance to make i will say the top 4 really they do. It is funny i don't think any of the teams in the NRL currently are too weak or too strong it is an interesting time.
