since the 9's the general consensus is that we wont make the 8.
im trying not to let that showing effect my judgement too much, but looking at the other contenders, i cant see us getting there either.
we will assume that Roosters, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys, Manly will 100% finish above us and likely be the top 5. Bulldogs and Sharks arent too far off either and should finish top 6 or 7.
the teams fighting for 8 will be Panthers, who have recruited well for a couple of years now and have a good coach, and knights who made final 4 last year and should really improve again, dependant on Mullens injury.
Thats 9 teams who i think are clearly above our current standard of play. I look at each of those teams and i have a fair idea of what they are about and how they will play.
i put us next along with Warriors and very maybe the broncos, but i could also see the broncs failing badly in some ways and free falling into 15th.
It leaves the Tigers, Eels, Dragons, Raiders, to round out the bottom.
History says that one of these teams could come from no where to have a breakthrough season, and i would lean towards the raiders if Stuart wasnt coaching. this suprise team would pass us and jump into top 8, but there is also usually at least one team that plummets unexpectedly, could be knights due to an injury or sharks due to ASADA rubbish. Either way one team rising and one team tanking leaves us right where we are, about 10th.
anyone want to put us higher? or much lower?