It's near impossible to predict anything for next year; too many variables. Even my own mob, safely hedging bets people are largely right that in all probability the Warriors will find 10-15 or so, but even they have massive variables given as my previous post puts it I can't help but think that Sonny Fai's tragic loss destabilised them immensely. Nevertheless, I'll predict them there again, and hope to see the influx of Juniors arise there.
1 St George Illawarra - solid across the paddock, Brett Morris and Jamie Soward have the goods to take the minor premiership
2 Melbourne Storm - they're just very consistent
3 Brisbane Broncos - they're always there or thereabouts aren't they. They've lost Karmichael Hunt and Dave Taylor, but the return of Denan Kemp gives them an extremely pacey backline. I fully expect to stick it down Ivan Cleary's throat time and time again in 2010.
4 Canterbury Bulldogs - a slight drop, Brett Kimmorley is a simple player and he may be worked out a little bit better next year in the Canterbury structure, however I rate them highly again because I believe Ben Roberts will continue to play some individualistic hands of high quality
5 Parramatta Eels - history suggests for Daniel Anderson that after finishing in the grand final, the next year is a slight lull until an epic late run again pulverises high quality opposition
6 South Sydney Rabbitohs - Going to take time to gel, there's a lot of big men but I feel they've also lost something with David Fa'alogo who had that touch of quality in him, Craig Wing also is a massive blow. They're a team that could still finish well outside the 8 based on those losses.
7 Wests Tigers - good recruitment in getting Jason Cayless and a couple of others to the club, if they can land Lote Tuqiri, great season
8 North Queensland Cowboys - too inconsistent for me to tip any higher, but I like the infusion of Shannon Gallant. If I'm being honest I think Matt Bowen has been down on form, and Gallant will be a nice fillup for him
9 Penrith Panthers - The coach is the issue, sadly. Probably a little inexperienced in the halves, although they're both very good players. Petero is a polished pro who will keep them close.
10 Gold Coast Titans - My gut feel, and that is all it is based on, is that a couple of injuries and the Titans could be thin in certain areas. Just a gut feel, nothing more, nothing less
11 Manly Sea Eagles - They rely so much on Brett Stewart that they could be minor premiers, or well down the ladder. Kieran Foran is the other key for them, big big future for him.
12 Newcastle Knights - I worry about them without Brian Smith, I could be totally wrong, but it just seemed he brought a lot of guys in with the world of potential and matured them very quickly. I know they got there for the new bloke, but I wonder if it'll almost become second year syndrome-ish to try and repeat with him
13 Sydney Roosters - much better coach who I would think would instil the discipline and structure they so desperately need. Did a great job at Newcastle. Results won't be instant, but they'll come together well. Warea-Hargreaves is a good, underestimated, pick up.
14 Warriors -
15 Canberra Raiders - I can't work out why I have them down here with the also rans, they're a good club with a good development pathway. Bronson Harrison has become an outstanding player down there. Terry Campese... he sort of over plays his hands a bit, and against teams that don't move up quickly he slices them to shreds but with quicker moving defences in 2009 he got found out a little bit.
16 Cronulla Sharks - The coach is the issue. He's narrow minded and I'd be frustrated with a leader like him.
2010 looks very unpredictable, can't wait.
