The 2016 NRL season was filled with countless shocks and surprises so what can we expect in 2017? Mark Ashton dusts off the crystal ball and reveals his Top 20 predictions for next season.
10. Wests Tigers set to be mauled by rivals
The Tigers face a tough task re-signing their "Big Four" with halves Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, fullback James Tedseco and captain Aaron Woods all off-contract in 2017 and certain to attract lucrative offers from rivals clubs.
9. John Grant won't survive the 2017 NRL season
The wolves are at John Grant's door with the NRL clubs not satisfied with a host of issues in the game including funding and while the ARLC chairman was given a stay of execution before Christmas, it would appear to be only a temporary reprieve.
8. Four coaches to head for the unemployment office
Coaching is a fickle business with little to no job security and 2017 will be no different with at least four to be shown the door during the year. There has been much speculation about the futures of Des Hasler, Trent Barrett, Jason Taylor and Paul McGregor so all will be sweating on good results.
7. Parramatta will be 2017's bolter
Recent history shows that nothing runs smoothly at Parramatta but after one of the most drama-filled seasons in rugby league history in 2016, the Eels, with the help of some impressive new recruits, might finally get their house in order on and off the field and realise their potential as the most powerful professional sporting club in Sydney's west.
6. Three teams from 2016 top eight to miss finals in 2017
The Bulldogs finished seventh in 2016 and appear to have lost more quality than they've added while the Titans have added some quality with Kevin Proctor but depth has been compromised. Expect Sea Eagles, Roosters, Eels and Warriors to improve in 2017 but four doesn't go into two.
5. Ray Warren to turn off his microphone
Ray "Rabbits" Warren's broadcasting career has spanned almost 60 years and has been "The Voice of Rugby League" since he started television rugby league commentary half a century ago - but the end of an era is near with the 73-year-old admitted late last year that 2017 could be his final one behind the microphone.
While "Rabs" is irreplaceable, a number of candidates have been mentioned as his successor including Ray Hadley, Andrew Voss, Warren Smith, Andrew Moore and my preferred option, Nine's current third-string caller - Mathew Thompson.
4. Young gun to win Dally M Player of the Year Award
While the usual suspects such as Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston will be there or there abouts when vote counting reaches its climax, I am looking outside the square for a bit of value and tipping either Nathan Cleary or James Tedesco.
Tedesco has established himself as arguably the best fullback in the NRL but if Wests Tigers struggle it may count against him while Nathan Cleary burst onto the scene in 2016 and will have to overcome the dreaded "second-year syndrome" if he is to take the highest individual honour in rugby league.
3. Cronulla Sharks won't make top four
Few will deny that the Sharks deserved their maiden premiership last year but after waiting 50 years for their first, two in two years is a little too much to expect. Cronulla have done well to retain the nucleus of their premiership winning side but they have lost one player who will make a huge difference to their season - Michael Ennis.
2. NSW Blues to win Origin
Queensland can never be written off, especially when they will be hosting two of the three games in 2017, but nothing lasts forever and the Maroon's great era is coming to an end. While they still have some excellent players coming through the ranks, I believe New South Wales have the better quality and depth in its emerging player ranks.
Names like Tom and Jake Trbojevic, James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Shannon Boyd, Tyson Frizell, Nathan Cleary, Boyd Cordner and Joey Leilua are among the best young talent in Australia and I expect most, if not all, to guide the Blues to a series victory in 2017.
1. Canberra vs Penrith Grand Final
The Raiders and Panthers were major surprise packets in 2016 with the Raiders finishing one game short of a Grand Final appearance. Both teams are blessed with a good mix of youth and experience and if they can handle the pressure of expectation then they should go very close to meeting in the decider.