Souths have too many holes to win it, their centres are VERY weak, Taas is too young and has those reserve grade defensive reads still. They badly need Graham back so they ship Milne off for good. Souths with Mitchell would be the worst draw for a top side though as you have no idea what Souths turn up, if it's the one that Latrell is unstoppable you have big problems.
Think it's Penrith then a gap still, think Cronulla are the second best. Storm won't make the top 4, too many injuries to key positions and too much of "pass it to Munster he'll do something"
Be a brave person to dismiss the Storm, I know they’re not going as well as they should be right now but I’ve learnt over the years the top sides know when to make their run. You don’t want to be peaking in Rounds 17 or 18. You need to be peaking coming into the Finals and Bellamy is to good a coach to not have them peaking come Finals time.
They were PO’d when the Panthers knocked them out of the Finals last year. I’ve also learnt to never dismiss a champion when they’re down as they usually make you look silly when you do.
Cronulla can’t mix it with the top teams. They’re above average side and look good agsinst inferior opposition but will be found out against any of the top 3 In Penrith, Storm or Soufffs.
Rorters aren’t as good as they were a few years ago as time is catching up with many of their top players. Canberra could be the real dark horse as they were outstanding against the Storm. I’d be worried meeting them if they make the finals after what the showed against the Storm in Melbourne. No mean feat.