Plenty of teams behind Penrith and Brisbane that will be vying for that top 4. Roosters, Souths, Parra, Warriors, Melbourne, Sharks, Cows & Knights could all do it IMO.
Id pencil Melbourne in given they are just always there. Their pack was a mile off the pace last year but I think the potential of Blore, MacDonald, Howarth, Katoa & Fa’alogo will be enough talent for Bellamy to get that squad to the top 4.
I’d tip Souths for the last spot. I don’t rate them a chance against the best sides as they’ll just be ground to dust in an arm wrestle with Penrith or Brisbane but expect they’ll be too classy for most sides.
I think Parra and the Chooks are the sides that could give Penrith and Brisbane a run in a big game given their pack and spine but they’re patchy and every chance of turning up to that big game gassed, injured and/or suspended. Would love the Warriors to take the next step.
I’ve got Penrith, Brisbane, Souths, Melbourne, Warriors, Easts, Parra, Sharks and the winners of the elimination games being a good chance to knock out Souths/Melbourne in the qualifiers.