I think 36 points will go close to winning the minor premiership this year because of the closeness of the competition. I can't see anyone winning 20 games of football.

It will be so close, so 36 could be the minor premiers; some of the sides that I put outside my top eight are good enough to make it.

I think there's three sides that are the only weak links of the competition. You might have 10 teams competing for the bottom six positions in the top eight.

There are a couple of sides - the Broncos and Cowboys - who should be thereabouts on grand final week again but there are about 13 teams that look like they could compete for the eight.

The excitement of the end of the year will have us on edge for the whole season.

Darius Boyd Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the punters have been all over the Broncos during the pre-season.

"Betting on the NRL premiership is the most one-sided it's been in years, with Brisbane backed for a stack to win the 2016 title," Nick Curry, from UBET, said.

"Currently trading at $4.25, the Broncos are UBET's shortest ever pre-season premiership favourite.

"At the other end of the spectrum, the Gold Coast Titans are our shortest ever wooden-spoon favourites, installed at $3.00 to record the Most Season Losses.

"Manly, with a new coach on board, have been another popular side with punters. The Sea Eagles opened at $15 but had the knife taken to their price a few times when the wagers kept rolling in.

"Trent Barrett's side are now $8.50, alongside the New Zealand Warriors while North Queensland have been rock solid in betting from the outset at $7.00."

Read on as Brett Kimmorley previews each of the NRL's 16 sides.

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Premierships: Six - 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - grand finalists, 2014 - eighth, 2013 - 12th

Coach: Wayne Bennett

Captain: Corey Parker

Gains: Herman Ese'ese (Bulldogs), Salesi Funaki (Tigers), James Roberts (Titans), Marion Seve (Tigers)

Losses: Dale Copley (Roosters), Mitchell Dodds (Warrington Wolves), Jordan Drew (Sharks), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds Rhinos), Jon Green (retired), Justin Hodges (retired), Todd Lowrie (retired), Darren Nicholls (released), Jayden Nikorima (Roosters), Matt Parcell (Sea Eagles), David Stagg (retired), Ashley Taylor (Titans), Daniel Vidot (Salford)

Noddy's verdict: I think they'll certainly be contesting for the premiership again. The inclusion of James Roberts is massive for them. Some of the young kids they unearthed last year should certainly be much better. The way they lost the grand final - they had it won - will give them massive motivation. The aura is returning to the Broncos."

Best team: Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jack Reed, James Roberts, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matt Gilett, Corey Parker.

Interchange: Adam Blair, Jarrod Wallace, Mitchell Dodds, Kodi Nikorima.

Noddy's Prediction: 1st

UBET odds: $4.25

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Premierships: 3 - 1989, 1990, 1994

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 10th, 2014 - 15th, 2013 - 12th

Coach: Ricky Stuart

Captain: Jarrod Croker

Gains: Adam Clydsale (Knights), Jeff Lima (Catalan Dragons), Zac Santo (Cowboys), Aidan Sezer (Titans), Elliott Whitehead (Catalan Dragons)

Losses: Mitch Cornish (Eels), Joel Edwards (Tigers), Jeremy Hawkins (Storm), Mark Nicholls (Storm), Josh McCrone (Dragons), David Shillington (Titans), Andrew Heffernan (Panthers), Bill Tupou (Wakefield), Jeff Lynch (Titans)

Noddy's Verdict: "They should make the eight. If they can fix their defensive deficiency - not in the middle of the field, they leak a lot of points at the edge of the field - then they can make the semifinals. I think they've got a really good forward pack, an exciting backline and the only thing that can stop them making the semis this year is if they get a stack of injuries. It has to be the year Ricky Stuart shows he's still a good coach."

Best team: Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Jarrod Croker, Joey Leilua, Sisa Waqa, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Paul Vaughan, Josh Hodgson, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola, Shaun Fensom.

Interchange: Sam Williams, Jeff Lima, Elliott Whitehead, Shannon Boyd.

Noddy's Prediction: 8th

UBET odds: $26

Blake Austin Stefan Postles/Getty Images

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Premierships: 8 - 1938, 1942, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2004

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - semi-finalists, 2014 - grand finalists, 2013 - elimination finalists

Coach: Des Hasler

Captain: James Graham Gains: Will Hopoate (Parramatta), Brad Abbey (Warriors), Kerrod Holland (Newcastle), Craig Garvey (St George Illawarra).

Losses: Trent Hodkinson (Newcastle), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Corey Thompson (Widnes), Damien Cook (South Sydney), Tim Lafai (St George Illawarra).

Noddy's Verdict: "I'm a little bit concerned about the halves and key playmakers at the club. I think the forward pack will be quite good, and they'll be a lot fitter, but I'm worried about the spine of the side. I'm concerned about where their points will come from. I think they'll compete for the top eight but they'll just miss it."

Best team: Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Josh Morris, Will Hopoate, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Moses Mbye, James Graham (capt), Michael Lichaa, Aiden Tolman, Josh Jackson, Tony Williams, Greg Eastwood.

Interchange: David Klemmer, Sam Kasiano, Shaun Lane, Tim Browne

Noddy's Prediction: 9th

UBET odds: $14

Moses Mbye Ashley Feder/Getty Images

CRONULLA SHARKS

Premierships: Nil

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 6th, 2014 - 16th, 2013 - 5th.

Coach: Shane Flanagan

Captain: Paul Gallen

Gains: Jordan Drew (Brisbane), James Maloney (Sydney Roosters), Matt McIlwrick (Sydney Roosters), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Manly), Chad Townsend (Warriors)

Losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Wests Tigers), Tinirau Arona (Wakefield), Blake Ayshford (Warriors), Michael Gordon (Parramatta), Jeff Robson (Warriors), Kyle Stanley (retired), Anthony Tupou (Wakefield).

Noddy's Verdict: "Another side that would like some consistency. I think to win a grand final you need to finish top-four for a number of years, and the Sharks need to be top-four again this year and stay there. Their forwards will match anyone physically and I think they've learnt from the semifinal last year not to panic in big games. I think they can finish up there."

Best team: Jack Bird, Valentine Holmes, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Sosaia Feki, James Maloney, Chad Townsend, Sam Tagataese, Michael Ennis, Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen.

Interchange: Ben Barba, Jayson Bukuya, David Fifita, Chris Heighington.

Noddy's Prediction: 4th

UBET odds: $12

James Maloney Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

GOLD COAST TITANS

Premierships: None

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2013 - ninth, 2014 - 14th, 2015 - 14th.

Coach: Neil Henry

Captains: Nathan Friend, William Zillman

Gains: David Shillington (Canberra), Nathan Friend (Warriors), Zeb Taia (Catalans Dragons), Ashley Taylor (Brisbane), Tyrone Roberts (Newcastle), Chris McQueen (South Sydney), Nathan Davis (Parramatta).

Losses: James Roberts (Brisbane), Nate Myles (Manly), Aidan Sezer (Canberra), Dave Taylor (Catalans), Kevin Gordon (retirement), Shaun Hudson (North Queensland), Ben Ridge (retirement), Matthew White (Melbourne), Brad Tighe (retirement), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Dragons), Beau Falloon (Leeds).

Noddy's Verdict: I think they'll certainly struggle. They've done minimal recruitment over the off-season, and they've lost some really good players, good leaders. The fact Greg Bird didn't get the captaincy - he is the greatest leader they've got at the club, on the field - shows there might be some problems up there. Ash Taylor, for a young kid, I reckon will be one of the standout players in the competition. But at the moment, they're one of the teams that may battle it out near the bottom of the ladder."

Best team: William Zillman (capt), Anthony Don, Josh Hoffman, Nene Macdonald, David Mead, Tyrone Roberts, Ashley Taylor, Ryan James, Nathan Friend (capt), David Shillington, Chris McQueen, Greg Bird, Agnatius Paasi.

Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Eddy Pettybourne, Zeb Taia, Luke Douglas.

Noddy's Prediction: 15th

UBET odds: $151

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Premierships: 8 - 1972, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1996, 2008, 2011

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 9th, 2014 - semi-finalists, 2013 - grand finalists

Coach: Trent Barrett

Captain: Jamie Lyon

Gains: Lewis Brown (Penrith), Nathan Green (St George Illawarra), Isaac John (Penrith), Apisai Koroisau (Penrith), Darcy Lussick (Parramatta), Tim Moltzen (Wests Tigers), Nate Myles (Gold Coast), Matt Parcell (Brisbane), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Dylan Walker (South Sydney).

Losses: Matt Ballin (Wests Tigers), Cheyse Blair (Melbourne), Michael Chee-Kam (Wests Tigers), Kieran Foran (Parramatta), Clinton Gutherson (Parramatta), James Hasson (Parramatta), Peta Hiku (Penrith), Justin Horo (Catalan Dragons), Dunamis Lui (St George Illawarra), Willie Mason (Catalan Dragons), Ligi Sao (Warriors), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Cronulla), David Williams retired).

Noddy's Verdict: They've bought extremely well. Trent Barrett is a huge get. It must feel like basically a whole new club for the senior players. Manly have traditionally played tough footy, but they couldn't back it up last year. I think they've got the balance right with the forwards and dummy half. I haven't got too many deficiencies for them at the moment - they'll be knocking on the door come September.

Best team: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Tom Trbojevic, Dylan Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic, Matt Parcell, Nate Myles, Jamie Buhrer, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau.

Interchange: Darcy Lussick, Tom Symonds, Brenton Lawrence, Api Koroisau.

Noddy's Prediction: 5th

UBET odds: $8.50

Trent Barrett Matt Blyth

MELBOURNE STORM

Premierships: 2 - 1999, 2012

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 4th, 2014 - 6th, 2013 - 3rd

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Captain: Cameron Smith

Gains: Matthew White (Gold Coast), Mark Nicholls (Canberra), Scott Drinkwater (Sydney Roosters), Curtis Scott (Cronulla), Cheyse Blair (Manly), Jeremy Hawkins (Canberra)

Losses: Kurt Mann (St George Illawarra), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield Giants), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Dayne Weston (Leigh Centurions), Matt Duffie (rugby union), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (retirement), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Hymel Hunt (South Sydney)

Noddy's Verdict: Cooper Cronk, depending on what happens with his signature over the next few months, could determine what happens to that football club. If he stays, it shows there's a lot of stability down there. They have bought some great young prospects, and their forwards are all starting to mature. I think any side that has the "Big Three" in it can compete for the top four, top six, and I think Craig Bellamy is the best coach in the competition. I think they can prove a lot of people wrong again.

Best team: Billy Slater, Marika Koroibete, Cameron Munster, Will Chambers, Young Tonumaipea, Blake Green, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Jordan McLean, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Dale Finucane.

Interchange: Tim Glasby, Kenny Bromwich, Matt White, Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Noddy's Prediction: 3rd

UBET odds: $13

Billy Slater Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Premierships: Two - 1997, 2001

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2013 - preliminary final, 2014 - 12th, 2015 - wooden spoon

Coach: Nathan Brown

Captain: TBA

Gains: Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Will Pearsall (Manly), David Bhana (Warriors), Pauli Pauli (Parramatta)

Losses: Kurt Gidley (Warrington), Beau Scott (Parramatta), Clint Newton (retirement), David Fa'alogo (retirement), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC), Tyrone Roberts (Gold Coast), Adam Clydsdale (Canberra), Kerrod Holland (Bulldogs), Todd Lowrie (retirement), Honeti Tuha (Parramatta), Chris Houston (Widnes), James McManus (concussion), Joseph Tapine (Raiders)

Noddy's Verdict: One of the other sides that will struggle a fair bit. They were a bit unsuccessful in the player market and they will rely on a lot of kids to come up with the flashiness and brilliance. They really struggled last year to score - I just don't know where the points are going to come, and they're just relying on too many kids. Unfortunately, they may win the wooden spoon again.

Best team: Jake Mamo, Jaelen Feeney, Dane Gagai, Sione Mata'utia, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Trent Hodkinson, Kade Snowden, Tyler Randell, Korbin Sims, Robbie Rochow, Tariq Sims, Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: Joseph Tapine, Mickey Paea, Danny Levi, Jack Stockwell.

Noddy's Prediction: 16th

UBET odds: $81

Noddy's Projected Ladder Brisbane Broncos NZ Warriors Melbourne Storm Cronulla Sharks Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles North Queensland Cowboys Parramatta Eels Canberra Raiders Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs South Sydney Rabbitohs Penrith Panthers Sydney Roosters St George Illawarra Dragons Wests Tigers Gold Coast TIitans Newcastle Knights NB: Minor Premiership Ladder

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Premierships: 1 - 2015

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - premiers, 2014 - semi-final, 2013 - qualifying final

Coach: Paul Green

Captains: Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott

Gains: Shaun Hudson (Gold Coast)

Losses: Glenn Hall (retired), Cameron King (Parramatta), Robert Lui (Salford Red Devils), Zac Santo (Canberra), Scott Schulte (Parramatta), Kelepi Tanginoa (Parramatta)

Noddy's Verdict: I think they'll compete on grand final day. I think they could go extremely close to being back-to-back premiers. They've got a great roster, they haven't lost anyone from last year's grand final side. All their great young kids have big-game experience - I think they can handle the pressure. But when you're the premiers, every team wants to beat you, so they won't get any free wins this year. They'll be the hunted, which might make their year a bit harder. They can still finish near the top of the ladder but they may finish just a bit lower. They can still certainly compete on grand final day though.

Best team: Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt, Justin O'Neill, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Jake Granville, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: Rory Kostjaysn, John Asiata, Scott Bolton, Ben Hannant.

Noddy's Prediction: 6th

UBET odds: $7

PARRAMATTA EELS

Premierships: 4 - 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 12th, 2014 - 10th, 2013 - 16th

Coach: Brad Arthur

Captain: Kieran Foran and Tim Mannah

Gains: Josh Aloiai, Matthew Woods (Wests Tigers), Mitch Cornish (Canberra), Kieran Foran, Clinton Gutherson, James Hasson (Manly), Michael Gordon (Cronulla), Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters), Cameron King, Scott Schulte, Kelepi Tanginoa (North Queensland), Kieran Moss (Penrith), Rory O'Brien (St George-Illawarra), Beau Scott (Newcastle)

Losses: Beau Champion, Richie Fa'aoso (retired), Will Hopoate (Canterbury), Darcy Lussick (Manly), Pauli Pauli (Newcastle), Joseph Paulo (Cronulla), Adam Quinlan (St George-Illawarra), Reece Robinson (rugby union), Chris Sandow (Warrington)

Noddy's Verdict: I think they could scare everyone. They should make the eight, they've bought extremely well and they're growing a bit of belief after the win at the Nines, which puts you in great stead for the regular competition. I think they should compete for the top eight. I think Beau Scott will make their forward pack a pretty physical one. I think Kieren Foran will be a wonderful captain for that club. I've got them competing for the eight, otherwise it will be a bit of a failure for them.

Best team: Michael Gordon, Semi Radradra, Michael Jennings, Brad Takairangi, Clinton Gutherson, Corey Norman, Kieran Foran, Tim Mannah, Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo, Beau Scott, Manu Ma'u, Anthony Watmough.

Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Danny Wicks, David Gower, Tepai Moeroa

Noddy's Prediction: 7th

UBET odds: $15

Michael Jennings Matt King/Getty Images

PENRITH PANTHERS

Premierships: 2 - 1991, 2003

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 11th, 2014 - 4th, 2013 - 10th

Coach: Anthony Griffin

Captain: Matt Moylan

Gains: Sitaleki Akauola (Wests Tigers), Zach Dockar-Clay (Parramatta), Ben Garcia (Catalans Dragons), Josh Hall (AFL), Andrew Heffernan (Canberra), Peta Hiku (Manly), Viliame Kikau (North Queensland), Te Maire Martin (Wests Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Sydney Roosters), Trent Merrin (St George-Illawarra)

Losses: Lewis Brown, Isaac John, Apisai Koroisau (Manly), Adam Docker, Brent Kite, Nigel Plum, David Simmons, Shaun Spence (retired), Jamal Idris (released), Sika Manu (Hull FC), Kieran Moss (Parramatta), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford)

Noddy's Verdict: They've bought really well. There's some future superstars there - possibly the best young kids in the competition. They've got the mixture right with who they've bought in. If they have a stack of injuries, and/or if their senior players don't go overly well, they may miss out on the eight.

Best team: Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, James Segeyaro, Sam McKendry, Bryce Cartwright, Elijah Taylor, Trent Merrin.

Interchange: Tyrone Peachy, Jeremy Latimore, Suaia Matagi, Isaah Yeo

Noddy's Prediction: 11th

UBET odds: $17

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Premierships: 21 - 1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 2014

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - elimination finalists, 2014 - Premiers, 2013 - preliminary finalists

Coach: Michael Maguire

Captain: Greg Inglis

Gains: Sam Burgess (rugby union), Damien Cook (Bulldogs), Dane Nielsen (Dragons), Hymel Hunt (Storm)

Losses: Issac Luke (Warriors), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Glenn Stewart (Catalans Dragons), Chris McQueen, (Titans), Tim Grant (Wests Tigers)

Noddy's Verdict: They're a team that have bought one bloke who will make a huge difference. Sam Burgess could be that one guy who can lead a whole football team. The forward pack is a pretty dominant one. But I'm a bit worried about Issac Luke, who played so well for them last year, not being there. I think they could be a team that challenges and has a good start to the year, but their outside backs don't excite me in any way. I just don't see enough points from South Sydney on the new interpretation of the interchange.

Best team: Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Bryson Goodwin, Hymel Hunt, John Olive, Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Cameron McInnes, Dave Tyrrell, Kyle Turner, John Sutton, Sam Burgess.

Interchange: Tom Burgess, Chris Grevsmuhl, Paul Carter, Jason Clark.

Noddy's Prediction: 10th

UBET odds: $15

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Premierships: 1 - 2010

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 8th, 2014 - 11th, 2013 - 14th

Coach: Paul McGregor

Captains: Gareth Widdop, Ben Creagh

Gains: Kalifa Faifai Loa (Gold Coast), Siliva Havili, Sebastine Ikahihifo (Warriors), Tim Lafai (Canterbury), Dunamis Lui (Manly), Kurt Mann, Shaun Nona (Melbourne), Mose Masoe (St Helens), Tyrone McCarthy (Hull KR), Josh McCrone (Canberra), Taane Milne (Sydney Roosters), Russell Packer (free agent), Adam Quinlan (Parramatta)

Losses: Craig Garvey (Canterbury), Nathan Green (Manly), Dan Hunt, Heath L'Estrange (retired), Justin Hunt (Wests Tigers), Mark Ioane (London), Trent Merrin (Penrith), Eto Nabuli (rugby union), Dane Nielsen (South Sydney), Rory O'Brien (Parramatta), Charly Runciman (Widnes)

Noddy's Verdict: They've pretty much got the same roster as last year. The Dragons are a side that the new interpretations should suit; their smaller size won't be such an issue anymore. I thought they got outmuscled a lot last year but they should be able to compete better as forwards. I just don't know if we'll get brilliant or unsure football from Benji Marshall this year - that's the x-factor for the Dragons. He needs to play more north-south - I think he plays too lateral, and it's really important that he plays a bit straighter and really challenges the line. But I don't know where their points are going to come from.

Best team: Josh Dugan, Jason Nightingale, Kurt Mann, Tim Lafai, Euan Aitken, Gareth Widdop (c), Benji Marshall, Mike Cooper, Mitch Rein, Russell Packer, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Tyson Frizell.

Interchange: Ben Creagh (c), Jack de Belin, Dunamis Lui, Will Matthews.

Noddy's Prediction: 13th

UBET odds: $32

Gareth Widdop Mark Nolan/Getty Images

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Premierships: 13 - 1911, 1912, 1913, 1923, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1945, 1974, 1975, 2002, 2013

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - preliminary final, 2014 - preliminary final, 2013 - Premiers

Coach: Trent Robinson

Captains: Mitchell Pearce and Jake Friend

Gains: Joe Burgess (Wigan), Dale Copley (Brisbane), Jayden Nikorima (Brisbane), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons).

Losses: James Maloney (Cronulla), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Michael Jennings (Parramatta), Suaia Matagi (Penrith), Matt McIlwrick (Cronulla), Lagi Setu (rugby union)

Noddy's Verdict: Can there be any more dramas at the Roosters before the football season actually starts? I think the loss of James Maloney will hurt, as I thought he was the reason the Roosters were on fire at the end of last year. There's a new halves combination now, so that's a setback. I just think they've got more changes than they ever wanted, they're under a lot of pressure. I think this could be a large rebuilding year.

Best team: Blake Ferguson, Joe Burgess, Dale Copley, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Daniel Tupou, Jackson Hastings, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra. Isaac Liu.

Interchange: Dylan Napa, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Kane Evans, Mitchell Aubusson.

Noddy's Prediction: 12th

UBET odds: $13

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Premierships: Nil

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 13th, 2014 - 9th, 2013 - 11th

Coach: Andrew McFadden

Captain: Ryan Hoffman

Gains: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters), Issac Luke (Rabbitohs), Ligi Sao (Manly), Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Jeff Robson (Sharks), James Gavet (Broncos), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds)

Losses: Nathan Friend (Titans), Siliva Havili (Dragons), Dominique Peyroux (St Helens), Sam Rapira (Huddersfield), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Chad Townsend (Sharks), Sebastine Ikahihifo (Dragons), Glen Fisiiahi (rugby union), Ngani Laumape (rugby union)

Noddy's Verdict: If ever there's been a team that breaks your heart continuously, it's the Warriors. You finally think they've got the discipline - that this is their year - and every time you believe they break your heart. This has to be their year. Their forward pack is dominant and they've got some superstars in the backline. I think a really good purchase is Jeff Robson, who brings in a maturity and calmness in the halves. If they're fair dinkum this year, they should be competing for the top four and possibly the premiership. Otherwise it could be another season when the coach could be gone in 10 weeks."

Best team: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tuimoala Lolohea, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Manu Vatuvei, Jeff Robson, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering.

Interchange: Albert Vete, Sam Lisone, Ben Henry, Thomas Leuluai.

Noddy's Prediction: 2nd

UBET odds: $8.50

WESTS TIGERS

Premierships: 1 - 2005

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2015 - 15th, 2014 - 13th, 2013 - 15th

Coach: Jason Taylor

Captain: Aaron Woods

Gains: Josh Addo-Carr (Cronulla), Josh Aloiai (Parramatta), Matt Ballin, Michael Chee Kam, Jack Littlejohn (Manly), Joel Edwards (Canberra), Tim Grant (South Sydney), Rod Griffin, Billy McConnachie (Queensland Cup), Justin Hunt (St George-Illawarra), Jessie Parahi (Rugby Sevens), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC)

Losses: Te Maire Martin (Penrith), Salesi Funaki, Marion Seve (Brisbane), Keith Galloway (Leeds), Matthew Lodge (released), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Tim Moltzen, Martin Taupau (Manly), Pat Richards (Catalan Dragons), Kurtis Rowe (Queensland Cup), Matthew Woods (Parramatta)

Noddy's Verdict: We know there's been some dramas with Robbie Farrah and Jason Taylor - you can never forget that baggage. I think there's already some fractions there. Last year, they struggled to score points and play the sort of football Taylor wants. They've lost a lot of senior players - a lot of the players that did the tough, hard work for them, and I wonder if their forward pack can compete with many others. I just think there's too many fractions there for the Tigers to make the eight.

Best team: James Tedesco, Jordan Rankin, Kevin Naiqama, Tim Simona, David Nofoaluma, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods (c), Robbie Farah, Sauaso Sue, Curtis Sironen, Chris Lawrence, Dene Halatau.

Interchange: Matt Ballin, Ava Seumanufagai, Kyle Lovett, Tim Grant

Noddy's Prediction: 14th

UBET odds: $101