40. Off field drama 

We see players embroidered in off field drama, and this year it’ll be Jack Bird’s dramas that see him sacked from Brisbane before the season’s over.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Jack Bird of the Broncos watches on before the round one NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos at UOW Jubilee Oval on March 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

39. Broncos jump ship

The mass player exodus in Brisbane has begun with rep duo Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn released. Expect Tevita Pangai Jnr, Jordan Kahu, James Roberts, and Corey Oates to hit the exit doors at season’s end - if not sooner.

38. Rookie of the Year

Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri will be crowned the Rookie of the Year after a strong maiden season for the Sharks, with constant niggling injuries to centres Josh Morris and Josh Dugan squeezing him into the spot.

Image: Twitter/Newtown Jets

37. All Stars success

The updated All Stars concept (Indigenous All Stars vs Maori All Stars) will prove a success with the move to Melbourne, despite missing stars Latrell Mitchell and Joseph Manu to the World Club Challenge the same weekend.

36. International Nines

New Zealand will be the maiden winner of the Nines World Cup, built on the back of electric performances from Nikorima, Johnson and RTS.

35. Magic Weekend success

The NRL’s inaugural Magic Weekend will prove a huge success with a sold out Suncorp Stadium, laying out the platform for a shift to the new Western Sydney stadium for the 2020 Magic Weekend.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: General view during the round one NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on March 5, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)pre

34. Super League premiers

Leeds Rhinos will best Warrington in the Super League Grand Final on the back of NRL recruits Tui Lolohea, Konrad Hurrell and Trent Merrin.

33. Man of steel

Blake Austin will star in his first season at Warrington, taking his side to the Grand Final on his way to earning the Super League’s top gong, the Man of Steel.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Blake Austin of the Raiders in action during the round 14 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers at GIO Stadium on June 8, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

32. First punch

Joey Leilua will throw the first punch in 2019 - and it’ll be directed towards Curtis Scott, in their Round 2 match up.

31. Should’ve retired

Poor Gal. In the lead up to his final year in the NRL, Cronulla have been dragged into a salary cap scandal, their superstar fullback has departed for the NFL,
and their head coach is set to be suspended. He’s unfortunately played a year too long.

30. Top try scorer

Alex Johnston will be the beneficiary of a return to the Rabbitohs left wing, with Cody Walker and Greg Inglis the main assist providers.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Alex Johnston of the Rabbitohs runs the ball during the round 14 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium on June 8, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Here are predictions 50-41.

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