Next year is the hardest year to pick I think because there are so many unknowns..Some of the top teams are weaker (considerably) and some of the bottom teams are stronger.
Injuries will also be a huge factor as will changes to the rules again.
Having said that, here's what I think.
1) Melbourne- Can't go past the big 3. They get Hoffman back and a few of their younger players will be better for this year.
2) Warriors- There's a dynasty building over there around a group of great young players, and Brian McLennan can coach.
3) Manly- I don't think they'll win it, but they'll still be thereabouts. Brett Stewart got better as the year went on. He'll be back to near his best next year.
4) Canberra- Campese will be back next year, and he'll make the world of difference. They no longer have to find a spot for Alan Tongue meaning the likes of Butriss and Waddell and Fensom can play how they should.
5) Newcastle- Initially I had them challenging, but Tinkler's form with his trainers at Patinak, suggests to me that there will be a drama up there at some point next year.
6) Souths- Sandow this, Sandow that....People are missing the point with souths I think. If Inglis can stay on the paddock next year (at fullback where he belongs) and Sam Burgess and Roy Asotasi return to that forward pack, then there's enough talent in that side, so that a young half can come into that team and simply throw the ball around. Issac Luke really only picked up his game in the latter half of the season.
7) Bulldogs- James Graham will give them what they need up front, as will Tapau, who I was impressed with on Sunday. They also get Michael Ennis back who does so much for them.
8) Nth Qld- This is a team that over achieved this year. As teams began to prepare properly for them, they started to struggle. That said, The brilliance of Thurston and Bowen cannot be denied.
9) Wests Tigers- Will scrape in on the brilliance of Marshall and Farah....though they need a fullback, and now probably another halfback. I can't see Blair making much of an impact to be honest.
10) Roosters- I think losing Carney and Myles will be a good thing for them. Pearce will regain form for next year, and they did have a solid run of form on the back end of the season.
11) Brisbane- History says that when you lose a player of the greatness of Lockyer, you simply don't just replace them (look at Fittler with the roosters as an example).
12) St George- Jamie Soward was already struggling before Bennett left. He's benefitted more than any player from Bennetts tutelage, but realistically, it's only a matter of time before he folds.
13) Cronulla- have bought well, but will miss their two big props, who's replacements I'm not yet sold on...They lack funding and it shows.
14) Gold Coast- Anyone else notice that the players that the coast have bought (with the exception of Douglas) all lack mental fortitude. Idris, Myles and Champion all have serious issues at times in games, and I can't see them moving forward. That said, their beacon of light could well be Aiden Sezar from the dogs, who's a quality 5/8.
15) Parramatta- I'm sorry, but does anyone really think that Stephen Kearney and Chris Sandow/Ben Roberts are a good fit? Sandow and Roberts are off the cuff players, who play ad lib. John Lang was perfect for Sandow because he encourages that style of play. Kearney is a methodical coach, and it's only a matter of time before these two butt heads.
16) Lost two thirds of their leadership group in Civonoceva and Waterhouse. New coach, who's likely to take time to stamp his authority. Gus doesn't have a good record in recruitment matters.
