Can you smell it? I’m sure it’s a combination of liniment and grass. That natural yet potent smell that comes from the change rooms right before kick-off. The footy season is back ladies and gentlemen and while my form last year wasn’t great, I will once again dust off the crystal ball in a fearless attempt to predict the future. Well, right up until finals time anyhow.

Brisbane Broncos
Wayne Bennett thought that sacking half of his coaching staff would make all the difference to his 2006 campaign. I’m not sure if he’s getting senile, but for all of his miraculous coaching deeds over the years, it seems Wayne doesn’t realise that players win games. The aging forward pack and fragile five eighth will once again struggle through origin and limp into the finals series where they’ll become cannon fodder. Prediction: 7th.

Canberra Raiders
With their biggest off-season signing coming in the form of Brisbane’s Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, the Raiders have done little to make up for last year’s lack of strike power. With a huge loss of experience and no one to replace it, Matt Elliott’s last season in the national capital could be a very long one, especially if Jason Smith isn’t constantly on deck. Prediction: 14th.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Injuries didn’t do the Bulldogs any favours last year. Sonny Bill Williams is already struggling and a ball hasn’t been kicked in anger yet. The loss of Braith Anasta will test the depth of the Blue and Whites because, as the Roosters found out last year, you need more than a good halfback that wins games. Prediction: 8th.

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
David Peachey, Danny Nutley and Jason Stevens all moved along in the off-season. But possibly the biggest impact departure was Michael Sullivan. The craft utility often sparked the Sharks into action off the bench. Lance Thompson and Darren Albert are the new boys on the block, but their experience is unlikely to be enough to drag the Shire’s finest into contention. Prediction: 13th.

Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles
With the purchase of Storm duo Steven Bell and Matt Orford, Manly have a little extra class in the back-line which made the finals series last year. Orford pushes Michael Monaghan into the front row giving Manly playmakers from dummy-half, and on either side of the ruck. With a pack led by Ben Kennedy, it will be a better year for the team everyone loves to hate. Prediction: 6th.

Melbourne Storm
Cooper Cronk will be the man to slip into Matt Orford’s shoes at the Storm in 2006. With Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Chris Walker ready to streak off the new number seven, his service will need to be good to get Melbourne into contention this season. Cameron Smith will provide his usual industry while new recruit Michael Crocker will be hoping Melbourne gives him the chance to stay out of trouble. Prediction 11th

New Zealand Warriors
Starting four points in arrears is never easy. Doing it without Stacy Jones, Monty Betham and Francis Meli will be harder. And when your biggest off-season signing is Michael Luck from North Queensland, the mountain is near impossible to climb. The team from across the ditch will struggle to get into double digits, let alone to the numbers required for the eight. Prediction: 15th.

Newcastle Knights
Andrew Johns. The Knights can finish first or last depending on the fitness of one man. With a line-up that is the second least shuffled from 2005, the club should be assured of a team that knows each other. The addition of Irish International Brian Carney and former Raider, Luke Davico, shores up both the middle and the flanks. But really, Johns’ fitness is the key to the success of the club. The squad has the chance to impress their new coach immediately as Brian Smith travels up the F3 in round one. Prediction: 5th.