3. Stop rabbiting on.
If only the star commentary duo of Ray "Rabbits" Warren and Phil "Gus" Gould would cut out the cute banter and in-jokes, let the humour come when it may, and get on with doing the job. They could be so good, but they're not. Other things to get rid of - players patting each other when things go well, players patting each other when things go bad ... orchestrated emotional/supportive responses are naff.
4. The Kiwis will win the Anzac test (yeah right).
The last frontier for the Kiwis, who have a horrible record in this fixture. It is the only test against the Kangaroos this year - ramming home the Kiwis' number one status will get right up Australia's noses.
5. There is an outrageous scandal or two or three ...
Yes, a cheap and predictable shot perhaps. But league never ceases to amaze in this department.
6. Faster doesn't mean better.
Wrestling is the dirty word yet anything slowing down tackles saves league from itself by working against one-up running. Not that this is an endorsement of dangerous wrestling techniques, but what the heck is wrong with good wrestling techniques? Faster would be better when it comes to decision reviews, however - video refs need to get a grip and and stop wrestling with the evidence.
7. Concussion bells still ringing
The NRL hasn't learned the lesson judging by the 2014 grand final, where Sam and George Burgess played on after being concussed. Souths claimed Sam wasn't concussed, yet the brilliant forward couldn't remember much of the game. Some players are too tough for their own long-term good - it's up to medics and team management to get tough in the right direction.
8. Do old dogs have new tricks?
Wayne Bennett plus Brisbane Broncos used to equal trouble for everyone else. But time moves on, and Bennett's magic touch isn't a given any more. The Broncos aren't even the best Queensland club these days - the Johnathan Thurston-led Cowboys have a better squad. Significantly, Bennett didn't make any headway at the Knights. After six seasons away from the Broncos, the return of the old master is one of the stories of 2015 whichever way it goes. There's also a buzz around a supposedly reborn Benji Marshall at the Dragons. His unique magic would be great to see again, but Marshall's best days were a long time ago.
9. Shaun Johnson
The Warriors' playmaker is worth a category on his own but we'll hide it at number nine, to keep a lid on the excitement. He comes across as a super bloke, but now's the time for Johnson to get a little nasty, to put the pedal to the floor, a foot on the throat. The bulk of his education is over - time for him to dish out the lessons week after week. The Four Nations final said everything about his ability ... over to you, Shaun.
10. A few predictions ...
The grand final will be between ... the Cowboys and Rabbitohs.
The Warriors will ... make the top four.
The top eight will finish in this order ... Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Warriors, Roosters, Panthers, Storm, Broncos.
Manly and Melbourne are ... dynasties ready to crash
The wooden spoon will be won by ... the Titans, pipping the Dragons.
