The contenders: Our 2017 top eight
We've run our eye over every NRL team and predicted which ones will be playing football in September.
Take a look and let us know what you think.
8. Broncos
The positives: Centred around an incredible spine, the Broncos still have plenty to offer in attack. The added responsibility for Darius Boyd could do him wonders, while their forwards still have plenty of punch.
The negatives: The loss of Corey Parker and the distraction around Ben Hunt. Parker was an absolute stalwart for the club, his influence both on and off the field will be sorely missed. Meanwhile, after a tough season last year, there will be even more scrutiny on the departing Hunt.
Our take: The Broncos will struggle to reach fifth gear throughout the season, and will be hampered by speculation that Hunt is giving it 100%. They'll be departing after week one of the Finals.
7. Warriors
The positives: So much to be excited about. Possibly the greatest spine ever assembled, with the addition of Kieran Foran giving Warriors fans reasons to believe in 2017. An experienced forward pack will hold their own.
The negatives: There has constantly been a question mark on the attitude of the Warriors over recent seasons. Too often the team is out-grinded and out-willed by less talented outfits.
Our take: It's all on Stephen Kearney. He has a super team at his disposal - all they need is great leadership and coaching. They could be anything this year, but we'll play it safe and guess seventh.
6. Sharks
The positives: Confidence from winning the premiership, hard as nails pack. The Sharks will head into season 2017 confident they can go back-to-back after their fairytale season. It could also be Paul Gallen's final season in Cronulla, giving the club even more reason to get one more.
The negatives: The losses of two big guns, and no more added motivation of getting maiden premiership. The loss of Michael Ennis will be particularly difficult for the Sharks to cope with, whoever replaces him will be a big step down. They'll also miss to spark of Ben Barba at the back.
Our take: They will continue to bash up other sides with their toughness and physicality, but they won't reach the dominant form of 2016. Loss of Ennis will prove crucial.
5. Panthers
The positives: Big young team with lots of talent. The addition of James Tamou will add great big-game experience to the pack. Plenty of talent in the backline, with exciting young halves and Matt Moylan set to light it up at the back.
The negatives: A halves pairing of Te Maire Martin and Nathan Cleary will no doubt be the NRL's least experienced this year. While we know Cleary is an old head on young shoulders, it remains to be seen how this young pair will play alongside each other.
Our take: The Panthers will be high-flyers for much of the season, but will be a momentum team that will struggle with setbacks. They'll be a big risk of making a premiership run in the Finals, after a turbulent regular season.
4. Roosters
The positives: An extremely well balanced best 17, with plenty of big game experience. Mitchell Pearce is set for a huge season and has a big point to prove, while their front row looks fearsome.
The negatives: Can Keary fit in? The Roosters have an incredibly well balanced best 17 on paper, so the easy weakness to identify is the incoming Luke Keary who will probably take time to gel with Mitchell Pearce. Keary was in and out of the Rabbitohs starting side last year, and will be hoping the same doesn't happen in 2017, with Connor Watson waiting in the wings.
Our take: The Roosters are set for big things in 2017, and will surely challenge for the premiership. Expect Pearce to be in Dally M calculations at the end of the season.
3. Storm
The positives: The big three are back (soon) and they're the most consistent side in league. The loss of Marika Koroibete has been helped with the addition of Josh Addo-Carr, meaning the backline will be as potent as ever when Billy Slater returns.
The negatives: Hard to find. Rising star Cameron Munster at five-eighth could cause teething problems. The Storm backline played superbly with Munster at the back last season, but now question marks surround his ball-handling and kicking ability.
Our take: Write the Storm off at your peril. Every year Craig Bellamy has his side contending for the premiership and this year shouldn't be any different.
2. Cowboys
The positives: A superstar team that's done it all before, and JT. The Cowboys head in to season 2017 with high expectations surrounding them once again - and for good reason. They've got an amazing spine, and lots of strike power out wide.
The negatives: The Cowboys will face a huge challenge to replace the power and experience of the departing James Tamou and retiring Ben Hannant. The late addition of tough nut Shaun Fensom will help.
Our take: The Cowboys will rip through most of their opposition with their flair throughout the season. Their lack of big boppers up front could be an issue come September though.
1. Raiders
The positives: A young, united and exciting squad that will only improve on their second-placed finish last year with more experience. Possessing a strong spine, and the biggest forward pack in the game, Sticky has made a team that will be a force come September.
The negatives: With Edrick Lee departing, and Jarrod Croker injured for the opening rounds, the Raiders will lack some experience and quality out wide, particularly early in the season. They'll be forced to blood some youngsters in the backline and various points in the season.
Our take: They might get off to a slow start, with a tough early draw, and without Jarrod Croker, but come the back end of the season they could be developing into an unstoppable force. With their powerful pack and attacking ability they'll finish the regular season on top and be there come Grand Final day.