Here goes. A few shocks coming in 2020-
Eels (Premiers)
Storm
Raiders
Cowboys
Roosters
Sea Eagles
Broncos
Knights
Rabbitohs
Tigers
Bulldogs
Dragons
Panthers
Titans
Sharks
Warriors

#Incoming

1.Eels -Premiers
I like the overall depth of this squad, especially with the additions of Reagan Campbell Gillard & Ryan Matterson, giving them a formidable forward pack. Mitchell Moses to be Dally M Player of the Year under the finishing school tutelage of Andrew Johns

2. Storm- Not sure if they make the GF, but I have them finishing 2nd at the end of the regular season. Still have one of the top 2 club coaches in the NRL & they know winning. Question mark for me is whether Cameron Smith goes the full season?

3.- Raiders-
I see no reason for any drop away & it will be interesting to see just how much the revenge factor drives their season, after getting so close in 2020. George Williams wil need to get up to speed by NRL standards by no later than at the second half of 2020.

4. Cowboys-
Even with the retirement of Johnathan Thurston 2 seasons ago, this club has under-achieved. I’m tipping them to do well; because they have no choice. Anything less than a Top 8 finish likely sees Paul Green handed his walking papers & new stadium aura a plus factor.

5. Roosters-
It’s a big ask in modern day league to go back to back. I can’t see a 3-peat! Cooper Cronk’s loss is significant both on & off field. It’s now Luke Keary’s team. But the halves depth- especially if he gets injured or selected for origin? Likely losing 4-5 during SOO?

6. Sea Eagles- Fair to say they overachieved in 2019. A lot expected of them & will need to find some settled play around the ruck. Essential the Trbojevic brothers fire when available. Concerns late last season around their right side defence, which other coaches would’ve seen

7. Broncos- Had the most off-season press, but not for good reasons. If their young guns can find consistency & their halves issue can be settled finals not beyond them. Season outcome will be driven by how quickly David Fifita’s future is settled. Brisbane expects!

8- Knights- The long wait is over. Adam O’Brien will deliver finals football to Newcastle. No more excuses for the players. Big names must own the results & this city & it’s loyal fans. Expect more intensity in defence & control in attack. Won’t lose the “if only “ games in 2020.

9. Rabbitohs- this might seem a shock not to have Souths in the 8. I think the Premiership window for Bennett was only open in 2019. It’s a reasonable squad of backs, but forwards win games & I don’t know if there’s enough grunt in their 2020 pack? Murray & Cook can’t do it all.

10. Wests Tigers- I just can’t put my finger on this team? Where are their points coming from at key times in games & the season. Is this a spine that can get the team to finals? I just don’t feel it. Will be competitive, but not enough for finals.

11- Bulldogs- Can’t see them being any better than they were in 2019. Can’t see them being any worse in 2019. Here ends the summary.

12. Dragons- I’m seeing minimal improvement for the Dragons in 2020, but only enough to move out of 15th. Outside backs are a real concern & still haven’t nailed down the fullback spot. If Alex Johnston becomes available they should do what they can to sign him.

13.Panthers- the youngest squad in the NRL. Nathan Cleary & Viliame Kilau will need to be man of the match between them in every match if they are to succeed. This is a season of getting youngsters into that 30-50 games experience bracket for 2021. Panthers fans need patience.

14. Titans- will be better in 2020. Half a dozen overpaid stars are playing for their next NRL contracts. Justin Holbrook’s appointment of Kevin Procter as captain, suggests he at least identified the guy that appeared to hate losing most in the Titans games I saw in 2019.

15. Sharks- Ennis. Lewis. Gallen. The last of the three competitive hard heads that helped bring a premiership to Cronulla now gone. Where’s the leadership group now? Josh Morris looks like walking as well. The steel has gone & I feel for the young coach.

16. Warriors- Amazingly have never come last. Always a first time for everything. Sorry NZ, but unless they’ve found another new breathing technique, then I think the spoon is Auckland-bound. Stephen Kearney likely you be 1st coach sacked. One day this club may invest in a coach?