Souths: Retain a lot of the positive qualities that made them a force last year but will need the Sutton at lock experiment to pay off if they're to challenge for a premiership. Biggest test for them will be their backline which was exposed late last season and hasn't exactly improved since then. I don't think the likes of Goodwin, Champion, Tuqiri or Reddy are anything more than stop-gap options and they'll really need the likes of Johnstone or Gray to step up if they're to be a chance.
Sydney: Go into 2014 a little bit stronger despite the tag of being defending premiers. Biggest test for them is all mental and being able to back up the season they had while adjusting to the challenges that 2014 will present. I suspect that their spine as it stands may need work as the season wears on but if they're (and the Blues) are lucky, Pearce won't have the distraction of Origin to contend with and they maybe able to find that gear that no other team has since 98 and go back to back.
Bulldogs: Still have that trademark Dogs of War mentality in so much as boasting one of the better forward packs in the competition. Yeah, T-Rex was a dud in 2013 but I rate their pack and Des' skills to get the most out of his pack, highly. The tricky part for them will be coming up with points - the Dogs are going to have to blood some playmakers and outside backs if they're going to really challenge this year, otherwise they'll have a Broncos 2012 situation going where they don't have any trouble making the attacking zone, but when the going gets rough, lack that superstar who's able to slice through the defence. Interesting year ahead and will be a good test of Des, although I'm sure the Origin period will save him once again and I'll be pissed off when they basically become finals fodder.
Broncos - Paid the price for putting all their money on a five eigth who wasn't available until 2015. It's hard to see them really going anywhere, their halfback is more or less a hooker at this stage of his career and when your naming the likes of Hoffman at five eigth then things are definitely dire. Barba should make life easier, but if fans are expecting 2012 Barba, I believe they'll be bitterly disappointed because I just don't think the Broncos will play to a style that suits him and may even struggle upfront. Hate to be bleak, but the season is shaping up to be an after-thought moving into 2015.
Panthers - The dark horses of 2014, they're really starting to come together as a club and you can see a lot of the make-shift solutions Cleary had come up with in previous years are now making way for more talented players but I don't know if 2014 is the right time yet. They've put too much faith in two former Origin players in Soward/Wallace & I don't know if they'll be able to lead this Panthers side around the paddock effectively + consistently. For now, I believe they'll either skirt their way into the 8 on the back of a fairly kind Origin period or they'll be knocking on the door and will look better next year as their up and comers age a year and on the back of a couple of promising signings.
Knights - Everything was looking peachy until Mullen went down clutching his hammy against the Broncos. While, I don't think it's a dealbreaker, it's definitely a tough setback to get through and I don't know if the likes of Dobson or Kidley will see them through it. If they're going to be a chance, they'll really need Boyd to step-up from fullback. He's shown on occasion the influence he can have on the Knights, but his efforts have been poor in the past and he is capable of being one of the best players in the game. I think they'll be a little more consistent this year now that a couple of young guys have familiarised themselves with their role in the team but it'll take awhile to adjust to the lack of Mullen.
Manly - Still have the wonderful combinations that make them one of the best teams in the competition and I can't see things changing too drastically in 2014 barring any unforeseen circumstance. Question is, will they be able to avenge last year's disappointing grand final loss and I don't know if they'll make it that far this year. I still think they're basically certs for the finals, a staple team if you will, but as it's been pointed out, their forward pack is looking weaker and there have been glimpses of complacency during the Toovey era.
Melbourne - In the same boat as Manly, except they're in the middle of a clear transitional period where they're bringing through a new brigade of talented individuals while their amazing spine of Slater, Cronk & Smith lead them around with a championship mettle that is just so valuable in modern Rugby League. I suspect this season will be just as turbulent as the last as they try and blood the likes of Hampton, Tonumaipea & Fonua but they should still have the mindset to get them into September.
Will continue this later...
