Every club will start the 2017 NRL season optimistic and confident but which ones will be justified? We rate all 16 clubs' recruitment, rosters and aspirations for the year ahead.

NRL Premiers Cronulla will go from the hunter to the hunted in season 2017. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

BRISBANE BRONCOS

2016 ladder position: 5th

2016 finish: Lost Semi-Final

2016 win-loss record: W 16, D 0, L 10

2016 leading Dally M points: Anthony Milford (19)

2016 leading try scorer: Corey Oates (18)

2016 leading goal scorer: Corey Parker (45)

2016 leading point scorer: Jordan Kahu (144)

2017 Coach: Wayne Bennett

2017 Captain: Darius Boyd

Ins:

Moses Pangai (Townsville Blackhawks), David Mead (Titans), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Benji Marshall (Dragons), Mitchell Dodds (Warrington), Korbin Sims (Knights)

Outs:

Greg Eden (Castleford), Brett Greinke (Rabbitohs), Corey Parker (retirement), Jarrod Wallace (Titans), Jack Reed (retirement), Darren Nicholls (Panthers), Lachlan Maranta (rugby union)

Best 17:

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jordan Kahu 4. James Roberts 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Matt Gillett 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Jai Arrow Interchange: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Alex Glenn 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Herman Ese'ese.

Season summary:

Many experts hold the Broncos in very high esteem but we don't share the excitement. Corey Parker is a huge loss and they will need a number of players to find top form if they are to repeat their success of 2015.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $7.50

Top 8: $1.30

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CANBERRA RAIDERS

2016 ladder position: 2nd

2016 finish: Lost Preliminary-Final

2016 win-loss record: W 17, D 1, L 6

2016 leading Dally M points: Josh Hodgson (18)

2016 leading try scorer: Jordan Rapana (23)

2016 leading goal scorer: Jarrod Croker (112)

2016 leading point scorer: Jarrod Croker (296)

2017 Coach: Ricky Stuart

2017 Captain: Jarrod Croker

Ins:

Jordan Turner (St Helens), Dunamis Lui (Dragons), Makahesi Makatoa (Bulldogs), Scott Sorensen (Mounties), Brent Naden (Mounties), David Taylor (Catalans)

Outs:

Lachlan Lewis (Bulldogs),Sisa Waqa (rugby union), Zac Woolford (Bulldogs), Sam Williams (Wakefield), Brenko Lee (Bulldogs), Paul Vaughan (Dragons), Jarrad Kennedy (Sea Eagles)

Best 17:

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Sia Soliola Interchange: 14. Luke Bateman 15. Dunamis Lui 16. David Taylor 17. Joe Tapine.

Season summary:

Canberra appears to be a team on the rise, and last year's campaign suggests they are entering their "premiership window". The weight of expectation brings pressure but the experience of last season should steel the Raiders ahead of what looms as a serious premiership tilt.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $9.00

Top 8: $1.40

Canberra were the surprise packets of 2016 but will be expecting to improve even further in 2017. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

2016 ladder position: 7th

2016 finish: Lost Elimination-Final

2016 win-loss record: W 14, D 0, L 11

2016 leading Dally M points: James Graham (13)

2016 leading try scorer: Sam Perrett/Curtis Rona (11)

2016 leading goal scorer: Kerrod Holland (39)

2016 leading point scorer: Moses M'bye (100)

2017 Coach: Des Hasler

2017 Captain: James Graham

Ins:

Zac Woolford (Raiders), Josh Cleeland (Sharks), Rhyse Martin (Townsville Blackhawks), Brenko Lee (Raiders), Tom Carr (Dragons), Francis Tualau (Storm), Richard Kennar (Storm), Asipeli Fine (Wests Tigers), Rod Griffin (Wests Tigers), Andy Saunders (Panthers)

Outs:

Pat O'Hanlon (retirement), Sam Perrett (retirement), Curtis Rona (rugby union, Western Force), Tim Browne (Panthers), Tony Williams (Sharks), Richard Coorey (released), Makahesi Makatoa (Raiders), Jarrod McInally (Queensland Intrust Super Cup), Graham Clark (released), Jake Kamire (released), Reubenn Rennie (released), Lamar Liolevave (released), Lloyd Perrett (Sea Eagles)

Best 17:

1. Will Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Brenko Lee 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Greg Eastwood Interchange: 14. Zac Woolford 15. Adam Elliott 16. David Klemmer 17. Sam Kasiano.

Season summary:

The rumours of discontent within Canterbury have bubbled away throughout the off-season and everyone, especially coach Des Hasler, is under pressure to deliver results. We expect the Dogs to show some fight but their roster looks weaker than in previous years and a slide out of the top eight would not come as a surprise.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $19.00

Top 8: $2.15

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CRONULLA SUTHERLAND SHARKS

2016 ladder position: 3rd

2016 finish: Premiers

2016 win-loss record: W 20, D 1, L 6

2016 leading Dally M points: Andrew Fifita (14)

2016 leading try scorer: Valentine Holmes (19)

2016 leading goal scorer: James Maloney (94)

2016 leading point scorer: James Maloney (219)

2017 Coach: Shane Flanagan

2017 Captain: Paul Gallen

Ins:

Manaia Cherrington (Wests Tigers), Tony Williams (Bulldogs), Jeremy Latimore (Panthers), Daniel Mortimer (Titans)

Outs:

David Fifita (released), Mitch Brown (Leigh), Josh Cleeland (Bulldogs), Michael Ennis (retirement), Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Castleford Tigers), Ben Barba (released), Jacob Gagan (Knights), Matt McIlwrick (Wests Tigers), Junior Roqica (London)

Best 17:

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Gerard Beale 6. James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8. 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Andrew Fifita 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen Interchange: 14. Daniel Mortimer 15. Chris Heighington 16. Tony Williams 17. Sam Tagataese.

Season summary:

Cronulla have done well to keep together the majority of their 2016 premiership-winning team together but Michael Ennis and Ben Barba are glaring losses. Like Brisbane with Corey Parker, the Sharks will find it hard to replace Ennis. We can see them playing finals football again, but not from the top four.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $10.00

Top 8: $1.45

Konrad Hurrell will be one of many stars in a Gold Coast Titans team that could emerge as a premiership contender. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

GOLD COAST TITANS

2016 ladder position: 8th

2016 finish: Lost Elimination-Final

2016 win-loss record: W 11, D 1, L 13

2016 leading Dally M points: Ryan James (19)

2016 leading try scorer: Ryan James (12)

2016 leading goal scorer: Tyrone Roberts (54)

2016 leading point scorer: Tyrone Roberts (116)

2017 Coach: Neil Henry

2017 Captain: Ryan James

Ins:

Dan Sarginson (Wigan), Jarrod Wallace (Broncos), Kevin Proctor (Storm), Paterika Vaivai (free agent), Tyler Cornish (Roosters), Daniel Vidot (Salford)

Outs:

Nathan Friend (retirement), David Hala (released), Nene Macdonald (Dragons), David Mead (Broncos), Cameron Cullen (Sea Eagles), Luke Douglas (St Helens), Josh Hoffman (Eels), Greg Bird (Catalans), Jed Cartwright (Panthers), Daniel Mortimer (Sharks), Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles), Matt Srama (retirement), David Shillington (retirement)

Best 17:

1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Anthony Don 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Dan Sarginson 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Kane Elgey 8. Ryan James 9. Nathan Peats 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Chris McQueen 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Agnatius Paasi Interchange: 14. Tyrone Roberts 15. Zeb Taia 16. Joe Greenwood 17. Leivaha Pulu.

Season summary:

Gold Coast have lost some quality players but they have also recruited some quality as well. The Titans surprised many by sneaking into the top eight last year but that experience, a full season with Jarryd Hayne at fullback and the addition of internationals Kevin Proctor and Dan Sarginson should fill Titans fans with optimism in 2017.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $15.00

Top 8: $2.10

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES

2016 ladder position: 13th

2016 finish: Missed finals

2016 win-loss record: W 8, D 0, L 16

2016 leading Dally M points: Tom Trbojevic (13)

2016 leading try scorer: Jorge Taufua (12)

2016 leading goal scorer: Jamie Lyon (50)

2016 leading point scorer: Jamie Lyon (116)

2017 Coach: Trent Barrett

2017 Captain: Daly Cherry-Evans

Ins:

Frank Winterstein (rugby union), Shaun Lane (Warriors), Blake Green (Storm), Cameron Cullen (Titans), Akuila Uate (Knights), Curtis Sironen (Wests Tigers), Lloyd Perrett (Bulldogs), Jackson Hastings (Roosters), Brian Kelly (Titans), Jonathan Wright (Warriors), Jarrad Kennedy (Raiders)

Outs:

Jamie Lyon (retirement), Tim Moltzen (retirement), Tom Symonds (Huddersfield), Siosia Vave (Eels), Liam Knight (Roosters), Nathan Green (released), Blake Leary (Blackhawks), Issac John (Mounties), Jayden Hodges (released), Rhys Armstrong (released), Fabian Goodall (rugby union), Halaufa Lavaka (released), Tony Satini (Panthers), Dylan Kelly (released), Hugh Pratt (released), Nicho Hynes (released), Darcy Cox (released), Josh Starling (Knights), Jamie Buhrer (Knights), Brayden Williame (Catalans), Matt Parcell (Leeds Rhinos), Feleti Mateo (Salford), Luke Burgess (Catalans), Brett Stewart (retired), Steve Matai (retired)

Best 17:

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Api Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Martin Taupau 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Jackson Hastings 15. Shaun Lane 16. Lloyd Perrett 17. Addin Fonua-Blake.

Season summary:

A huge turnover of players in 2016 failed to translate into results for Manly; after a decade of finals appearances, the Sea Eagles slipped to 13th, their lowest finish since 2003. They have again been very active in the player market but their squad and depth looks a lot better this year and given more luck with injuries we can see them squeezing back into the top eight.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $17.00

Top 8: $2.10

Newly-appointed Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans will lead the Sea Eagles into a new era after the retirement of several club legends. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

MELBOURNE STORM

2016 ladder position: 1st

2016 finish: Lost Grand Final

2016 win-loss record: W 20, D 0, L 6

2016 leading Dally M points: Cooper Cronk (26)

2016 leading try scorer: Suliasi Vunivalu (23)

2016 leading goal scorer: Cameron Smith (92)

2016 leading point scorer: Cameron Smith (194)

2017 Coach: Craig Bellamy

2017 Captain: Cameron Smith

Ins:

Josh Addo-Carr (Wests Tigers), Brandon Smith (Cowboys), Vincent Leuluai (Roosters), Jahrome Hughes (Cowboys), Ryley Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons)

Outs:

Marika Koroibete (rugby union), Josh Kerr (Dragons), Ryan Morgan (St Helens), Blake Green (Sea Eagles), Matt White, Francis Tualau (Bulldogs), Ben Hampton (Cowboys), Richard Kennar (Bulldogs), Kevin Proctor (Titans)

Best 17:

1. Billy Slater 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Will Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Suliasi Vunivalu 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Tohu Harris 12. Felise Kaufusi 13. Dale Finucane Interchange: 14. Kenneth Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Christian Welch 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Season summary:

Melbourne have become a finals regular over the past decade, and they look to be nailed on certainties again for September football in 2017. After the disappointment of losing last year's Grand Final to Cronulla, the Storm will be highly motivated; mix that with one of the stronger playing rosters in the NRL and they will likely be the team to beat once again.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $8.00

Top 8: $1.30

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

2016 ladder position: 16th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 1, D 1, L 22

2016 leading Dally M points: Jarrod Mullen (5)

2016 leading try scorer: Nathan Ross (9)

2016 leading goal scorer: Trent Hodkinson (47)

2016 leading point scorer: Trent Hodkinson (99)

2017 Coach: Nathan Brown

2017 Captain: Trent Hodkinson

Ins:

Jamie Buhrer (Sea Eagles), Rory Kostjasyn (Cowboys), Ken Sio (Hull KR), Josh Starling (Sea Eagles), Jacob Gagan (Sharks), Joe Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Anthony Tupou (Wakefield)

Outs:

Jeremy Smith (retirement), James McManus (retirement), Kade Snowden (retirement), Robbie Rochow (Rabbitohs), Akuila Uate (Sea Eagles), Jake Mamo (Huddersfield Giants), Korbin Sims (Broncos)

Best 17:

1. Ken Sio 2. Nathan Ross 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joe Wardle 5. Jacob Gagan 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Josh Starling 9. Rory Kostjayson 10. Pauli Pauli 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Jacob Saifiti 13. Jamie Buhrer Interchange: 14. Anthony Tupou 15. Sam Mataora 16. Mickey Paea 17. Daniel Saifiti.

Season summary:

After just one win in 2016, it can't get much worse for Newcastle. They have recruited quite well considering their salary cap constraints, and there should be some signs of improvement on the field but, unfortunately for Knights fans, a third consecutive wooden spoon looks likely in 2017 before they start the climb north in 2018.

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UBET odds:

Premiership: $151.00

Top 8: $7.00

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

2016 ladder position: 10th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 10, D 0, L 14

2016 leading Dally M points: Shaun Johnson (10)

2016 leading try scorer: Solomone Kata (15)

2016 leading goal scorer: Shaun Johnson (42)

2016 leading point scorer: Shaun Johnson (125)

2017 Coach: Stephen Kearney

2017 Captain: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Ins:

Kieran Foran (Eels)

Outs:

Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Shaun Lane (Sea Eagles), Jonathan Wright (Sea Eagles), Henare Wells (Burleigh)

Best 17:

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Manu Vatuvei 3. Solomone Kata 4. David Fusitu'a 5. Tuimoala Lolohea 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9 Issac Luke 10. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering Interchange: 14. James Gavet 15. Charlie Gubb 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Ben Matulino.

Season summary:

The Warriors rarely live up to potential or expectation so any tipster predictions usually come with a disclaimer. The addition of Kieran Foran has arguably given the Warriors the best "spine" in the competition, and they are top four candidates if he can regain his "Manly form". if he doesn't, another year watching finals footy is more likely.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $11.00

Top 8: $1.70

The Warriors will be boosted by the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the electrifying fullback missed most of the 2016 season with injury. Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

2016 ladder position: 4th

2016 finish: Lost Preliminary Final

2016 win-loss record: W 16, D 0, L 11

2016 leading Dally M points: Jason Taumalolo (26)

2016 leading try scorer: Kyle Feldt (15)

2016 leading goal scorer: Johnathan Thurston (96)

2016 leading point scorer: Johnathan Thurston (201)

2017 Coach: Paul Green

2017 Captains: Johnathan Thurston / Matt Scott

Ins:

Carlin Anderson (Broncos), Ben Hampton (Storm)

Outs:

Brandon Smith (Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Jahrome Hughes (Storm), Rory Kostjasyn (Knights), Tautau Moga (Broncos), Ben Hannant (retirement)

Best 17:

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Kane Linnett 4. Justin O'Neill 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo Interchange: 15. Ben Hampton 15. Coen Hess 16. John Asiata 17. Patrick Kaufusi.

Season summary:

The Cowboys will again be strong, but they are slowly but surely coming back to the field and their premiership triumph in 2015 is now starting to be reflected in the salary cap. The loss of James Tamou and Ben Hannant has put a dent in their forwards stocks, they will remain one of the leading contenders but as long as they can keep Johnathan Thurston and Jason Taumalolo on the field.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $8.00

Top 8: $1.30

PARRAMATTA EELS

2016 ladder position: 14th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 13, D 0, L 11

2016 leading Dally M points: Corey Norman (17)

2016 leading try scorer: Bevan French (19)

2016 leading goal scorer: Michael Gordon (71)

2016 leading point scorer: Michael Gordon (162)

2017 Coach: Brad Arthur

2017 Captains: Beau Scott / Tim Mannah

Ins:

Jamal Fogerty (Burleigh Bears), Siosia Vave (Sea Eagles), Nathan Brown (Rabbitohs), George Jennings (Panthers), Josh Hoffman (Titans), Suaia Matagi (Panthers), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Kirisome Auva'a (unattached), Will Smith (Panthers)

Outs:

Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), Michael Gordon (Roosters), Kieren Moss (Bradford), Anthony Watmough (retirement), Kieran Foran (Warriors), Luke Kelly (Rabbitohs), Danny Wicks (retirement), Vai Toutai (released), Mitch Cornish (Roosters)

Best 17:

1. Bevan French 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Kirosome Auva'a 6. Clinton Gutherson 7. Corey Norman 8. Tim Mannah 9. Isaac de Gois 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa Interchange: 14. Frank Pritchard 15. Kenny Edwards 16. Nathan Brown 17. Siosaia Vave.

Season summary:

Surely, things can only get better for Parramatta in 2017. The Eels went through more drama and controversies in 2016 than any club In the history of rugby league, and it is hard to imagine this year being anything but an improvement. A couple of unwanted pre-season headlines will have some Parramatta fans a little nervous, but the Eels haven't shied away from using the chequebook, despite their salary cap breaches of the past few years, and their squad looks solid albeit with a couple of question marks about some positions.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $17.00

Top 8: $2.10

Penrith loom as major premiership contenders in 2017 with a fine blend of youth and experience in their NRL squad. Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

PENRITH PANTHERS

2016 ladder position: 6th

2016 finish: Lost Semi-Final

2016 win-loss record: W 15, D 0, L 11

2016 leading Dally M points: Matt Moylan (17)

2016 leading try scorer: Josh Mansour (16)

2016 leading goal scorer: Nathan Cleary (53)

2016 leading point scorer: Nathan Cleary (118)

2017 Coach: Anthony Griffin

2017 Captain: Matt Moylan

Ins:

James Tamou (Cowboys), Tim Browne (Bulldogs), Michael Oldfield (Rabbitohs), Darren Nicholls (Redcliffe Dolphins), Mitch Rein (Dragons), Jed Cartwright (Titans)

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Outs:

Ben Garcia (Catalans), Chris Smith (Sydney Roosters), George Jennings (Eels), Zak Hardaker (Castelford), Jeremy Latimore (Sharks), Suaia Matagi (Eels), Andrew Heffernan (Hull KR), Chris Grevsmuhl (released), Robert Jennings (Rabbitohs), Will Smith (Eels), Andy Saunders (Bulldogs)

Best 17:

1. Matt Moylan 2. Peta Hiku 3. Waqa Blake 4. Dean Whare 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. James Tamou 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Isaah Yeo 16. Regan Campbell-Gillard 17. Sam McKendry.

Season summary:

Penrith appear to be entering their "premiership window" with arguably the most talented young squad in the NRL. The Panthers surprised a lot of people last year and they should be even better for the experience in 2017. They have a well-rounded and complete squad, backed by the biggest junior nursery in rugby league, and they could should go close to claiming their third premiership, and first since 2003, if they handle the pressure of expectation.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $8.00

Top 8: $1.40

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

2016 ladder position: 12th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 9, D 0, L 15

2016 leading Dally M points: Sam Burgess (17)

2016 leading try scorer: Alex Johnston (11)

2016 leading goal scorer: Adam Reynolds (43)

2016 leading point scorer: Adam Reynolds (95)

2017 Coach: Michael Maguire

2017 Captain: Greg Inglis

Ins:

Tyrell Fuimaono (Eels), Robbie Rochow (Knights), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), Luke Kelly (Eels), Anthony Cherrington (Redcliffe Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Brett Greinke (Broncos)

Outs:

Joe Burgess (Wigan), Luke Keary (Roosters), Paul Carter (Roosters), Kirisome Auva'a (released), Cameron McInnes (Dragons), Nathan Brown (Eels), Michael Oldfield (Panthers)

Best 17:

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Robert Jennings 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tom Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Angus Crichton 16. Robbie Rochow 17. David Tyrrell.

Season summary:

Souths endured a horror 2016 but 2017 looks a bit more encouraging. Sure, the Rabbitohs have lost some regular first-graders, which may at some stage have an impact on their depth, but the addition of Robbie Farah may be the factor that re-establishes them as a premiership contender. Like most clubs, fitness is the key; if they can keep the likes of Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds, Farah and the Burgess boys on the field, a run deep into finals football is likely.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $15.00

Top 8: $1.95

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

2016 ladder position: 11th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 10, D 0, L 14

2016 leading Dally M points: Gareth Widdop (12)

2016 leading try scorer: Kurt Mann (10)

2016 leading goal scorer: Gareth Widdop (54)

2016 leading point scorer: Gareth Widdop (133)

2017 Coach: Paul McGregor

2017 Captain: Gareth Widdop

Ins:

Josh Kerr (Storm), Nene Macdonald (Titans), Cameron McInnes (Rabbitohs), Shaun Nona (Illawarra Cutters), Paul Vaughan (Raiders)

Out:

Mike Cooper (Warrington), Sebastine Ikahihifo (Huddersfield), Ben Creagh (retirement), Benji Marshall (Broncos), Dylan Farrell (retirement), Tom Carr (Bulldogs), Mitch Rein (Panthers), Dunamis Lui (Raiders), Adam Quinlan (Hull KR)

Best 17:

1. Josh Dugan 2. Tim Lafai 3. Euan Aitken 4. Nene McDonald 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Joel Thompson 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyson Frizell Interchange: 14. Taane Milne 15. Will Matthews 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Leeson Ah Mau.

Season summary:

It looks like it may be another long year for St George Illawarra in 2017. Not through lack of trying, the Dragons have struggled to attract big-name signings and their depth will be tested with the loss of a number of fringe first graders while some serious pre-season injuries in key areas have also conspired against them. Their best 17 looks competitive but as they mover deeper into the season they struggle for quality. We don't see many victories for the Red V in 2017.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $67.00

Top 8: $4.50

Latrell Mitchell was one of the shining lights in a poor 2016 season for the Roosters and represents a promising 2017 for the club. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

2016 ladder position: 15th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 6, D 0, L 18

2016 leading Dally M points: Mitchell Pearce (9)

2016 leading try scorer: Latrell Mitchell (14)

2016 leading goal scorer: Sio Siua Taukeiaho (27)

2016 leading point scorer: Latrell Mitchell (80)

2017 Coach: Trent Robinson

2017 Captain: Jake Friend

Ins:

Michael Gordon (Eels), Luke Keary (Rabbitohs), Liam Knight (Sea Eagles), Zane Tetevano (Wyong Roos), Paul Carter (Rabbitohs), Mitch Cornish (Eels), Brendan Santi (Blackhawks)

Outs:

Vincent Leuluai (Storm), Sam Moa (Catalans), Tyler Cornish (Titans), Jackson Hasting (Sea Eagles)

Best 17:

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Paul Carter 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho Interchange: 14. Mitchell Aubusson 15. Aidan Guerra 16. Liam Knight 17. Kane Evans.

Season summary:

The Roosters are another club that was embroiled in off-field dramas last year, but it would be a brave call to dismiss them as a finals contender after a relatively quiet build-up to 2017 and a confidence boosting win at the Auckland Nines. The Tricolours look to have finally replaced James Maloney with a similar style of player in Luke Keary, and they have also taken a few calculated risks with Liam Knight, Zane Tetvano and Paul Carter arriving at Bondi off checkered pasts. Their squad has improved in quality and depth, and they should be among the leading contenders come the business end of the season.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $13.00

Top 8: $1.95

WESTS TIGERS

2016 ladder position: 9th

2016 finish: Missed Finals

2016 win-loss record: W 11, D 0, L 13

2016 leading Dally M points: Mitchell Moses (18)

2016 leading try scorer: James Tedesco (14)

2016 leading goal scorer: Mitchell Moses (43)

2016 leading point scorer: Mitchell Moses (113)

2017 Coach: Jason Taylor

2017 Captain: Aaron Woods

Ins:

Jamal Idris (free agent), Matt McIlwrick (Sharks)

Outs:

Josh Addo-Carr (Storm), Jack Buchanan (Widnes), Josh Drinkwater (released), Asipeli Fine (Bulldogs), Lamar Liolevave (Bulldogs), Billy McConnachie (released), Jesse Parahi (Rugby Sevens), Manaia Cherrington (Sharks), Dene Halatau (retirement), Robbie Farah (Rabbitohs), Curtis Sironen (Sea Eagles), Chance Peni (rugby union), Rod Griffin (Bulldogs)

Best 17:

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Jamal Idris 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt Ballin 10. Tim Grant 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor Interchange: 14. Josh Aloiai 15. Kyle Lovett 16. Joel Edwards 17. Ava Seumanufagai.

Season summary:

We sense that we might be in the minority but we like the look of the Wests Tigers best 17 -- although depth could be an issue. The addition of Jamal Idris is a minor gamble but a one-year deal is a risk worth taking and he provides cover in both the backs and forwards. Last year's highly publicised departure of Robbie Farah is behind them and a new era begins, but the ongoing contract negotiations with star quartet James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks and Aaron Woods has the potential to become another unwanted distraction.

UBET odds:

Premiership: $26.00

Top 8: $3.25