1. Roosters (if they cheat and get Cronk)
2. Cowboys (pending an injury free season)
3. Storm (through Smith and their discipline)
4. Dragons (Hunt and Graham are excellent additions to the 17, a lot hinges on Thompson staying and Dufty holding his own for a entire season at fullback)
5. Broncos (much to sideways during the 17'', Bird at lock should give them another point of attack, allowing him to ball play to McGuire could be quite effective)
6. Sharks (Dugan as much as people hate him, will give them great strength and versatility in the backs)
7. Eels (they have lost Semi but they are still a top 8 side with everyone fit)
8. Penrith ??? But i do see us and Souths making vast improvements under new coaches, wouldn't be surprised if we could snare 8th
Manly have some cap space, but i don't see them making any drastic signings... couple that with Walkers ankle injury i see them missing the 8 once more.