The battlers
Titans
Key gains: Josh Hoffman, David Hala, Matt Robinson, Kierran Moseley.
Key losses: Brad Takairangi, Luke Bailey, Ashley Harrison, Mark Minichiello, Cody Nelson, Albert Kelly, Beau Henry, Paul Carter.
The oil: Just when one drug scandal ends, a new one emerges.
The Queensland cocaine scandal seems set to blow last year's peptide saga out of the water.
With two of the club's highest earners, Dave Taylor and Greg Bird, among some of the players stood down, coach Neil Henry looks to have his work cut out here.
They've lost Brad Takairangi (Eels), Paul Carter (sacked) and the talented Albert Kelly, who lit up the NRL in 2013.
Despite signing Josh Hoffman from Brisbane, the drug scandal is likely to take its toll, so it'll be surf's up early for the Coasters.
Predicted finish: Wooden spoon.
Dragons
Key gains: Kris Keating, George Rose, Beau Henry, Heath L'Estrange, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Dane Nielsen.
Key losses: Kyle Stanley, Brett Morris, Sam Williams, Michael Witt, Bronson Harrison, Gerard Beale, Adam Quinlan, Jack Stockwell.
The oil: Some of the recruitment looks a tad underwhelming as Paul McGregor looks to reshape the 2010 premiership winners into a competitive team.
They've released Kiwis Kyle Stanley and Gerard Beale to Cronulla, but letting go arguably their best player, Brett Morris, to reunite with his brother at the Bulldogs is baffling, especially when they've recruited Warriors reject Dane Neilsen.
Predicted finish: 15th.
Tigers
Key gains: Kevin Naiqama, Josh Drinkwater.
Key losses: Adam Blair, Blake Austin, Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Cory Paterson, James Gavet, Bodene Thompson.
The oil: Jason Taylor takes over from Mick Potter as coach and 2015 will be seen as a rebuilding year that will rely heavily on the leadership of skipper Robbie Farah.
After losing a number of experienced players, expect some enthusiastic performances like we saw from the singlets in the Nines.
However, a hot contest for wooden spoon is inevitable.
Odds should be appealing.
Predicted finish: 14th.
Raiders
Key gains: Blake Austin, Sisa Waqa, Iosia Soliola, Josh Hodgson, Sam Williams, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala.
Key losses: Anthony Milford, Brett White, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Reece Robinson, Sami Sauiluma, Terry Campese.
The oil: Year two of ''Ricky's Regime'' sees the return of talented Canberra junior Sam Williams to where it all started.
However, three does not fit into two and Williams will have competition in the halves with Mitch Cornish and Blake Austin.
Interest will also be high in a new hooker - Dunedin door-runner Josh Hodgson, from Super League, who will look to punch holes through the middle of the field.
Could be dangerous if forwards stand up, but look to be battlers at best.
Predicted finish: 13th.
Eels
Key gains: Anthony Watmough, Brad Takairangi, Danny Wicks, Reece Robinson, Beau Champion, Richie Fa'aoso, Adam Quinlan.
Key losses: Jarryd Hayne, Willie Tonga, Ken Sio, Jacob Loko, Kelepi Tanginoa, Lee Mossop.
The oil: Jarryd Hayne - a name synonymous with the Eels - needs to be erased from the club's mentality as it begins a post-Hayne era.
His loss will be huge for long-suffering Parra fans, especially after coming agonisingly close to finals footy last season.
Some new names - Watmough, Takairangi and Robinson - should add some interest, while Chris Sandow will be in for a big year as he comes off contract at the end of 2015.
However, inconsistency is likely to be their downfall.
Predicted finish: 12th.
The chasing pack
Knights
Key gains: Tariq Sims, Carlos Tuimavave, Jack Stockwell, Sam Mataora.
Key losses: Darius Boyd, Willie Mason, Adam Cuthbertson, Travis Waddell, Michael Dobson, Matt Hilder.
The oil: It's back to familiar territory for the Knights as Rick Stone returns as head coach after being temporarily demoted to assistant under Wayne Bennett.
Despite losing a number of personnel it's never easy writing off a Knights side with names like Gidley, Mullen, Leilua and now Tariq Sims.
Warriors recruit Carlos Tuimavave will also look to make an impact here in a side that will toil but may fall short of the finals.
Could be in the mix providing the star players stay fit.
Predicted finish: 11th.
Storm
Key gains: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Blake Green, Dale Finucane.
Key losses: George Rose, Ryan Hoffman, Sisa Waqa, Bryan Norrie, Ben Roberts, Junior Moors, Justin O'Neill.
The oil: The bold prediction of the Storm missing the top eight did not quite come to fruition last year, so what has changed?
A number of core players have left - notably Ryan Hoffman, Bryan Norrie and Sisa Waqa.
Blake Green comes across from Wigan to fill a hole in the backline, while former NSW prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is a welcome addition to the pack.
With the big three now entering the twilight of their careers, this could be the last chance for silverware, but they won't be helped by captain Smith likely missing the start of the season due to injury.
Last year's disappointing exit could be a sign.
Predicted finish: 10th.
Sea Eagles
Key gains: Willie Mason, Feleti Mateo, Siosaia Vave, Zane Tetevano.
Key losses: Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Jason King.
The oil: The off-field dramas from the axing of Glenn Stewart continued to plague the Sea Eagles last year, which also led to the release of the disgruntled Anthony Watmough.
The enigmatic Feleti Mateo and seasoned club-swapper Willie Mason join a side that continues to play an exciting style of football but also loves an arm wrestle.
Depth will again be tested, but it's the contract negotiations of Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran and increasing attention on coach Geoff Toovey's relationship with the senior players that may be the distraction that brings the club to its knees.
Brookvale will still be a daunting prospect for travelling teams, but when push comes to shove, the Sea Eagles could be found wanting against the better sides this year.
Predicted finish: Ninth.
Sharks
Key gains: Ben Barba, Michael Ennis, Gerard Beale, Jayson Bukuya, Mitch Brown, Sami Sauiluma, Kyle Stanley.
Key losses: Michael Lichaa, John Morris, Beau Ryan, Siosaia Vave, Jonathon Wright, Nathan Stapleton, Tupou Sopoaga.
The oil: The new-look roster includes former Dally M winner Ben Barba, Kiwi international Gerard Beale, old-timer Mick Ennis and the home-coming of Jayson Bukuya.
Shane Flanagan returns to coach a side that may not win the competition, but could act as a thorn in many sides.
The Sharks will be at their best in tight battles with Ennis, Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis forming a new Dad's Army.
Look for Cronulla to be on the cusp of the eight come September.
Predicted finish: Eighth.
Warriors
Key gains: Ryan Hoffman, Matt Allwood, Bodene Thompson, Jonathan Wright.
Key losses: Feleti Mateo, Carlos Tuimavave, Jayson Bukuya, Jerome Ropati, Dane Nielsen.
The oil: Have suffered little disruption to the playing roster.
The loss of five first-graders should not be a factor, as none of them were guaranteed starters in 2014 and only Ryan Hoffman (signed from the Storm) looks to be guaranteed a starting berth.
The side will look to feed off the Kiwis' Four Nations success, so look for the big guns of Vatuvei, Mannering, Johnson and Tomkins to light up the season.
The club celebrates its 20th year in the NRL and seeks a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
The talent says a finals appearance is long overdue.
Predicted finish: Seventh.
Broncos
Key gains: Adam Blair, Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford, Travis Waddell, Greg Eden, James Gavet.
Key losses: Ben Barba, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hannant, Martin Kennedy, Jake Granville, David Hala.
The oil: In Wayne we trust. The Broncos' favourite son returns to resurrect the club's once-proud finals record.
Bennett brought his broom - which end he has used is unclear - and a decent clean-out had Broncos fans in a spin on social media.
The much-maligned Darius Boyd returns with Uncle Wayne, although he'll miss a number of early season games, as will Queenslander Anthony Milford, while Josh Hoffman, Ben Hannant and Martin Kennedy have fallen mercy to Bennett's broom.
Brisbane's chances of success look promising, so don't be surprised to see a run into the finals.
Predicted finish: Sixth.
All the rage
Rabbitohs
Key gains: Glenn Stewart, Tim Grant.
Key losses: Sam Burgess, Ben Te'o, Nathan Merritt, Joe Picker, Api Koroisau, Lote Tuqiri, Beau Champion
The oil: All eyes will be on the reigning premiers and whether they can replicate the form that took them to the top without Sam Burgess and Ben Te'o.
Former Blues prop and Panthers recruit Tim Grant will also try to assert a level of dominance at his new club as will Glenn Stewart, who also finds a new home.
The Burgess twins will provide enough grunt to worry most sides, while Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds and Isaac Luke will spark the side into finals contention again.
Tough to go back-to-back, but good each-way value.
Predicted finish: Fifth.
Roosters
Key gains: Martin Kennedy, Blake Ferguson, Lagi Setu, Matt McIlwrick, Nathan Stapleton.
Key losses: Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Minichiello, Remi Casty.
The oil: Coach Trent Robinson's credentials look set to be tested, as intriguing times beckon at Bondi.
The Roosters enter a new era without Sonny Bill Williams and Anthony Minichiello.
A troubled former Blues rep in the form of Blake Ferguson is set to be the centre of attention, while young Kiwis winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will replace Minichiello at fullback.
Discipline will go a long way towards a 2015 premiership charge.
Predicted finish: Fourth.
Cowboys
Key gains: Ben Hannant, Jake Granville, Kelepi Tanginoa, Justin O'Neill.
Key losses: Brent Tate, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Curtis Rona, Joel Riethmuller, Ricky Thorby.
The oil: Johnathon Thurston is now in the twilight of his career and is champing at the bit, having had a full preseason under his belt since skipping the Four Nations tournament due to injury.
Ben Hannant joins from the Broncos, which will provide a competitive spark for starting spots in the front row with fellow Origin representatives James Tamou and Matt Scott.
The addition of the speedy and experienced Justin O'Neill from the Storm will be a useful acquisition covering centre, wing and fullback.
Pencil the northerners in for a top four finish - no excuses.
Predicted finish: Third.
Panthers
Key gains: Api Koirosau, Tupou Sopoaga, Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Key losses: Tim Grant, Kevin Kingston, Kevin Naiqama, Wes Naiqama, Matt Robinson, Kierran Moseley.
The oil: Despite the naysayers writing off a bold run into the finals series, Ivan Cleary's side consistently showed the same work ethic and team commitment his 2011 Warriors showed before being eliminated from the preliminary final.
That Panthers side was flooded with replacements after suffering a horror injury toll, which bodes well for 2015.
Their spine looks to be one of the best in the competition, with Kangaroo debutant Matt Moylan the anchor at fullback, while the experienced duo of Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward will provide quality ball and a sharp kicking game.
A battle royale looms at hooker - the recruitment of Souths grand final hero Api Koirosau is destined to keep James Segeyaro honest.
Top four and potential grand final glory.
Predicted finish: Runner-up.
Bulldogs
Key gains: Brett Morris, Michael Lichaa, Jacob Loko, Curtis Rona, Antonio Kaufusi.
Key losses: Dale Finucane, Michael Ennis, Mitch Brown, Reni Maitua.
The oil: Like Red Cadeaux in a Melbourne Cup, the Bulldogs just keep striking a better team on grand final day after losing to a red-hot Rabbitohs side last year.
This year features the reunion of the Morris brothers, with Brett arriving from the Dragons and likely to play at fullback.
The highly touted Michael Lichaa from Cronulla is a straight swap for former captain Mick Ennis, while powerhouse centre Jacob Loko joins from the Eels, which should provide extra spark for a backline that was solid without being spectacular.
The balance now looks much improved and the Bulldogs look destined to go one better in 2015.
Predicted finish: Premiers.
