Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is just a minor weakness or deficiency which over the course of a season builds up and makes the difference between a good year and a bad year.
We look at each team to search for their weaknesses.
Broncos
The Broncos have retained most of last year’s team but have lost a lot of players during the off-season, with only one notable recruitment in James Roberts at centre in place of Justin Hodges.
Certainly coach Wayne Bennett is no weak link here despite All-Stars and England commitments, but depth may be an issue with Brisbane if injuries strike. The abrupt sacking of loyal Bronco Dale Copley to make way for Roberts has left the camp uneasy and perhaps lacking some of last year’s passion.
My tip: top four
Raiders
A good off-season with recruitment leaves fans wondering if Ricky Stuart can finally deliver a top eight finish.
Captain Jarrod Croker looks set to have a good year with a strong backline and forward pack to follow him.
However recruitment is one thing but on-field cohesion when the pressure is on may be a year or two away for the Raiders and the fans are likely to blame Ricky.
My tip: just outside the eight
Bulldogs
After an off-season that has seen more losses than gains, Des Hasler will be under pressure this year to get his big pack firing with the new eight replacement limit and less time wasting possible.
The halves look the obvious weakness and it is uncertain how the will perform under pressure.
My tip: just outside the 8
Sharks
With a strong and experienced new halves pairing and the same big pack, the Sharks have an embarrassment of riches and with Shane Flanagan at the helm look set for a season to remember.
It is hard to pick a weakness but the centres look vulnerable and we have yet to see how Jack Bird responds to the pressures of the fullback position in this only his second year.
My tip: top four
Titans
Most have tipped the Titans for wooden spoon contenders but their preseason performances have shown some promise and coach Neil Henry will not be without hope.
Perceived weaknesses in the centres and halves are obvious and with the departure of Nat Myles the forward pack will need a new leader.
My tip: bottom four, but not without some upsets during the season.
Sea Eagles
Manly’s massive cleanout has seen them buy big and the pressure will be on new coach Trent Barrett to perform to Bob Fulton’s expectations.
For a new coach to get combinations together with all these new players is a significant challenge and from my perspective a top eight finish which is all that is acceptable to Manly fans looks unlikely.
Manly at this early stage of the season are struggling with injuries so depth looks an issue.
My tip: Just out of the Top eight
Storm
Craig Bellamy has been quiet in the off-season with no significant acquisitions and an ageing spine to nurse through the season.
Pre-season form has been notably absent and it has been a case of nursing his ageing spine through the preseason so things are not looking good for the Storm.
The Storm still has its strong pack intact but how long will the spine hold together and how will the pack go forward without them?
Craig Bellamy and Cooper Cronk have had their own contractual issues before the season has started and this looks like it should have been a rebuilding year for the Storm.
My tip: Just in the eight
Knights
With new coach Nathan Brown now in control, this is clearly a rebuilding year for the Knights.
The Knights will provide their share of upsets during the year but my tip is bottom four.
Cowboys
With exactly the same team as last year coach Paul Green cannot improve on and there will be post premiership blues to cope with.
The Cowboys now have a target on their back and may not win as many close games as last year.
Specific weaknesses are hard to identify but once again they are so reliant on Johnathan Thurston that they are clearly vulnerable during Origin and in the case of injury.
My tip: top four
Eels
Brad Arthur got everything he wished for in the off-season and the pressure will be on for the Eels to make the eight this year.
If good preseason form shown to date is anything to go by then this year may be the start of something.
It is hard to pick any specific weaknesses and my tip is top eight.
Panthers
Anthony Griffin has overseen many ins and outs during the off-season but the ageing halves pairing has remained unchanged, which will no doubt be put under pressure as the year goes on.
The front row also looks a weakness to me with not a lot of go forward.
My tip: Bottom four
Rabbitohs
Michael Maguire will have a difficult year trying to justify Sam Burgess’s price tag.
The centres look a weak area if there is one.
My Tip: top eight
Dragons
Paul McGregor has had another big year with ins and outs in the off-season and most point out the the new buys include no big names, but there is now considerable depth in all positions.
Despite the long term loss of Mose Masoe in the off-season, the Dragons forwards look stronger in the preseason.
Positions in the backline are very competitive with Euan Aitken looking to have earned a spot alongside Josh Dugan in the centres. New fullback Kurt Mann looks a risk but deserves his chance after a good preseason.
One possible weakness is coach Paul McGregor, who still needs to demonstrate that he can handle his big squad and the other obvious weakness is lack of points in attack.
Many have tipped the Dragons to struggle this year but I can see the same strong defence of last year and increased attack through the forwards, Dugan in the centres and Mann at the back.
My tip: Top four
Roosters
After years of smooth sailing 2016 has seen troubled waters for Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
The Roosters are starting the season with a new but promising halves pairing, a new centre and new fullback and with two starting forwards out injured.
They will be down on attack but their defensive structure is still intact.
My tip: Top 8
Warriors
After selective buying in the off-season the pressure is on coach Andrew McFadden to deliver this year.
The Warriors do not appear to have any real weaknesses but they somehow seem to consistently disappoint. Attack has never been a serious problem but defence seems to take a holiday too often for McFadden to remain in charge if they do not succeed this year.
With coaching as the issue my tip is just out of the eight.
Tigers
With off-season issues coach Jason Taylor is facing a make or break year at the Tigers.
Luke Brooks will need to perform consistently all year, but with improvements in other teams my tip is bottom four.
Conclusion
It is a long way to the end of the season and the journey is only just about to start. Weaknesses if they are perceived can sometimes be corrected during the season so maybe my predictions will never eventuate.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Rabbits for the top 4 and we have no 'weakness' in the centres, Inglis can and probably will be in the centres with Gray as his offsider with Johnston at full back. The rest of the team is a shuffle between a proven 3/4 and a forward pack and to add to all this we have some very talented rookies that are itching to have a go e.g. Cody Walker who will make a big impact this year at the Rabbits. Go the Rabbits!!!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I can remember with Steve, whose name I like to forget in charge of Dragons as coach, no Dragons team had dreams and if you cannot have dreams at the start of a season when can you?
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
Dragons top four and Penrith bottom four. Tell him he's dreaming
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Jumping the gun - I meant 2016 ! Good luck to your Doggies as well.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Well said Dean - good luck.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Dragons fans are undoubtedly one-eyed, but I rank Dragons and Bulldogs supporters on equal terms when it comes to berating their own squads. Both sets of supporters can be incredibly harsh on their own players/coaches inadequacies, or lack of commitment, and don't mind giving them or the administrators a serve when needed. That being said, loyal Saints folk watched 2013 and 2014 unfold, and witnessed a team playing without genuine passion. Enter Mary, and that commitment which was lacking under Steve Price, suddenly materialised. Players defended the castle, and opponents found it near on impossible to score points. At the end of the day, most Saints fans are happier to witness an ordinary team giving 100% and bowing out in the first week of the finals, than a team of stars giving 80% and playing in the Grand Final. 2017 brings that same vibe for Dragons fans - commitment and genuine respect by players for The Red V jersey.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good luck to the dragons - I really don't have anything against them despite evidence to the contrary over the past couple of weeks. I'm glad you guys are looking forward to the season. They're in it up to their necks like a lot of teams and it wouldn't surprise at all if they had a great season. Well, maybe it would surprise a little... It just tickled my funny bone for an ardent dragons fan to write an article predicting a top 4 finish for his team.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Glad I did not disappoint.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Titans were a surprise package in the nines and it would not surprise if they did well in the opening rounds.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
A fair comment, but I would suggest Ex NZ international Packer will have impact and Ah Mau was much more forceful up the centre towards the end of last year. Frizell, Cooper and De Belin relieved of some of the heavier defence wider out are set for big years and at 104kgs Havili is an effective replacement hooker/utility forward who is hard to stop close to the line. Dugan played with an injury most of last year and now in the centres will create havoc and deliver off loads to whoever is waiting. But Benji is the key and you are either a Benji believer or not.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Remember Baz - Last year Saints were ladder leaders after 12 rounds, after beating the Broncos, Roosters, Raiders (twice), Dogs, Knights, Eagles, and Sharks. Close losses to Storm and Bunnies. They were the best defensive team in the comp. Laugh at your own peril - Top 4 is definitely not out of the question for the Dragons in 2016.
Jarrod Free
Roar Rookie
As almost unheard of as it is to say, I do not think the Titans will do as badly as most people seem to think. Granted, they will almost certainly miss the top eight, they are something of an unknown proposition, especially in the early rounds. This may help them rack up enough points to warrant 10th to 12th place by the end of the season. They halves pairing is potentially good enough to win games. Roberts is obviously something of a cast-off halfback, but he has been damaging at times in the past, and the young bloke coming through has some big raps on him. Could cause plenty of upsets, especially as other teams are likely to chalk the Titans up as a win before a ball has even been kicked.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
Cowboys are still weak in the centres. Linnett and Oneill are average footballers at best. Hopefully Moga stays fit. I would have loved the Cowboys to jag Copely on cheap money.
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
Well I suppose when you write your article based on your opinion, you can put your Team wherever you see fit.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I'm a Dragons fan...but I'm not biased. I swear. This is a completely objective assessment of their chances based on close analysis of a number of determining factors predicated on the sum of the square of the hypotenuse... Hahahahahahahaha
The Barry
Roar Guru
Nope. I was wrong. Top 4. Hahahahahahahahahahaha....
The Barry
Roar Guru
I haven't read past the Broncos yet or any of the comments but knowing Walter let's guess where he's got the Dragons finishing.... Definitely in the eight...no question. Top 4? Not even Walt could be that one-eyed. I reckon he's got them in at 5th or so.
Tom Rock
Expert
I just don't see the Dragons as having enough points in them on a weekly basis to keep up with squads like the Broncos, Cowboys and Roosters. They have recruited well, and their roster is solid overall. But they seem short of game breakers, the sort of blokes who conjure something from nothing or bullocking outside backs who have a nose for the try line. Their defence will keep them in a lot of close games, but whether they can win more of the tight ones than they lose will determine their season.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
You are right about me being a Dragons supporter but I just have a good feeling about the attitude of the team this year and depth when the injuries come will just give other experienced players a chance. The dragons have just selected their squad for the weekend trial in Rockhampton which is all runners up for the 17 and Cutters players. For the NRL squad this means Havili looks to have secured a utility forward spot on the bench, Lafai is still in the mix in the backline, Lui is on the Bench probably front row, Mathews is on the bench
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons roster is better this year and will be able to cover all positions in case of injuries We have an astute attack coach this year to help improve our attack! Having Salivia Havili playing hooker or in the back row will be a big plus this year as he will add more thrust in our attack The coach deserves credit as he is thinking outside the square to give the Dragons the best chance possible It should be an interesting year for all Dragons fans!