There were a few teams who massively underperformed in 2014 and found themselves finishing in a ladder position that was unexpected.
There were teams who quite frankly over achieved, and may not be able to recreate such performances in 2014.
Then there were those teams who pretty much finished spot on where we predicted them to.
The following three sides are those I predict will be the big improvers in 2015. This doesnโt necessarily mean I consider any of the below to be title threats, or even top eight certainties, but I do see them as locks to improve on 2014.
Cronulla Sharks
Simply put, how could they go any worse than they did this season? Although there were mitigating circumstances, the fact is a side containing Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Andrew Fifita, Todd Carney and Michael Gordon, amongst others, finished with only five wins for the season.
In my view the Sharks have had the most successful recruitment drive for 2015. They have replaced Todd Carney with another former Dally M medallist, have signed an experienced hooker to replace the retiring John Morris, and have added a variety of outside backs to their traditional thin ranks.
The big factor however is the return of coach Shane Flanagan, who in the face of major adversity led the side to a second round of finals performance in 2013. Without their mentor, the Sharks were less than a shell of their 2013 selves. Steve Price has also joined the coaching ranks.
Off field, the Sharks have appointed one of Australian sportโs great administrators in Lyall Gorman, meaning they should see positive returns off field as well as on it.
The Sharks are still a superstar halfback and probably a prop short of a genuine top four chance, but I do expect them to be sniffing around the eight a times during the season. Anything other than a second straight wooden spoon would of course be an improvement, but I do expect to see them finish mid table.
New Zealand Warriors
Finishing just outside the eight, to some teams, wouldnโt seem like the end of the world, but for the super talented Warriors, it was a major let down.
Shaun Johnson, Sam Tomkins, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei. Just four of the attacking gems contained within the Warriors line up. Those four play behind one of the biggest, most aggressive packs in the NRL. There really is no reason they shouldnโt be a top eight stable in 2015.
The Warriors have recruited very well for 2015, focusing more on quality over quantity. Former storm back rower Ryan Hoffman is a huge signing. His potential partnership with the aforementioned Hurrell will give opposition defences nightmares this season. Matt Allwood is a very clever pick up, and I expect him to be amongst the bargain buys of the season.
I donโt see this Warriors outfit missing the eight in 2015. I honestly donโt know how they missed the finals in 2014, despite their slow start before Matthew Elliott was moved on.
Shaun Johnson, on the back of a brilliant Four Nations tourney, is preparing for a career best year. I wouldnโt go so far as to say heโs among the favourites for the Dally M medal next season โฆ actually, if he fires to his fullest potential, he may be the man to beat for the top honour in 2015.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
This might sound insane, given they were there on Grand Final Day, but itโs worth remembering that in the regular season, the Dogs finished seventh. They will win more than the 13 regular season games they won in 2014.
Adding Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Antonio Kaufusi and Michael Lichaa to an already talent stacked squad, Dogs fans will enter 2015 with extremely high expectations.
I wouldnโt be surprised to see them once again walk out in early October to contest their third Grand Final in recent seasons. If I were a betting man, Iโd be looking at putting a few sneaky dollars on a top four, or even top two finish.
With Brett Morris playing outside either his brother, or the ridiculously talented Tim Lafai is a mouth-watering prospect for fans of the blue and whites, although Morris may even make the move to fullback, which may replicate the success of shifting Greg Inglis.
I donโt see any way the Dogs can fail in 2014. They have an amazing top 17, one of the best coaches in the game, and a very clever team off field. Complacency or an injury crisis are the only reasons I see the Dogs missing out on the top four.
Honourable Mentions
Westsย Tigers: Another season under their belt, the Tiger cubs will be nothing but better off. Finally speculation over the future of their coach wonโt be a factor.
Brisbaneย Broncos: Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd are genuine stars and Wayne Bennett has enjoyed much success in the QLD capital. I donโt see them finishing top four, so they donโt qualify for the list, but I donโt see them going backwards in 2014, put it that way.
