Premiers: Brisbane Broncos
If there’s one thing that we learned in 2015 it’s that the Broncos are much more than just a well-coached unit. With genuine quality and depth in every position, they’ll also be hungrier than a vegan at ‘Ribs n Rumps’. The loss of inspirational leader Justin Hodges is a big one but they have the best replacement possible in James Roberts. I predict he will excite crowds at Suncorp like no one else since the great Steve Renouf. With the likes of Milford, Hunt, Boyd, and Roberts fit and firing they will demolish any team that is not 100% on their game.

What about the Cowboys?
If they can remain fit they will again be a fixture in the top 4. However, that’s a big if. The premiers, more than any other side, rely on just one player. If the game’s next Immortal Jonathon Thurston goes down during the season you can kiss them goodbye. Add that to the regular grind of 26 rounds, representative duties to a star-studded line up, and a grueling travel schedule and I just can’t see them being the first team since Moses’ ‘Jerusalem 17’ to win back-to-back titles.

Wooden Spoon: Gold Coast Titans
I expect the Knights and Tigers to also struggle but I can’t go passed the Titans. Losing Myles and Sezer (even Dave Taylor) is massive. Then compound that with promising half Kane Elgy missing for the season and it’s looking very bleak on the Sunshine Strip.

Movers 1: New Zealand Warriors
I’m tempted to throw a ‘pineapple’ on them to win their first ever premiership. With a squad now boasting the best hooker in NZRL’s history in Issac Luke and the man who will become the Kiwi’s greatest fullback in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck…. Wow. Just wow. Considering these two already have experience at Test level playing with the brilliant Shaun Johnson, you have a point scoring juggernaut ready to explode.

Movers 2: Canberra Raiders
Last year’s most potent attacking unit will be significantly bolstered by the addition of Aiden Sezer. His level head and pin point kicking game should make for a great combination with Blake Austin. Paul Vaughan and Shannon Boyd are two of the best young props around and the addition of Jeff Lima to a rotation already boasting Frank-Paul Nuuausala gives them starch up front.

Fading 1: South Sydney Rabbitohs
While they are blessed by the return of the best forward in the game in Sam Burgess, the Bunnies just look to have lost too much class in Isaac Luke and Dylan Walker to keep up with the Competition heavyweights.

Fading 2: Canterbury Bulldogs
I don’t know if the enigmatic Moses Mbye and hot-headed Josh Reynolds can succeed without Trent Hodkinson’s steadying hand. Their ‘Jurassic’ themed pack will terrorise plenty but I don’t think they’ll have enough points in them.

Dally M Winner: Roger Tuivasa Sheck
In a side that will put 60 on any team not on their game, if he remains fit, RTS will top the league in tackle busts, metres gained and tries scored on the way to his first Dally M and recognition alongside Slater, Inglis and Lockyer as the great modern fullbacks.

Grand Final: Broncos v Warriors
State of Origin: QLD 2-1
Four Nations: Australia

Table
1 Broncos
2 Roosters
3 Warriors
4 Cowboys
5 Sharks
6 Raiders
7 Storm
8 Sea Eagles
9 Rabbitohs
10 Panthers
11 Dragons
12 Bulldogs
13 Eels
14 Knights
15 Tigers
16 Titans

@matt_french24