NRL 2020: Expert predictions for the season ahead

There’s a renewed faith in the Cowboys for 2020 after a disastrous campaign last year. But will they live up to the expectations? Check out all the expert predictions here.

IS OUR faith in a Cowboys resurgence in 2020 misplaced?

Just one of our experts believes that the boys from Townsville won’t make the cut when the finals roll around in September, while all believe the Broncos will make it in.

And while plenty of punters believe the Titans problems will continue, not one of our guys believes they’ll finish on the bottom of the ladder.

Do you agree with their analysis?

Add your own top eight and premiership predictions in the comments below.

The Courier-Mail’s Peter Badel interviews Paul Green, Anthony Seibold and Justin Holbrook. Picture: AAP/David Clark

PETER BADEL

Chief rugby league writer

Top 8

1. Roosters

2. Eels

3. Rabbitohs

4. Storm

5. Raiders

6. Sea Eagles

7. Broncos

8. Cowboys

Premiers: Roosters. The best team in the league by a mile. Too many big guns, a

hat-trick looms.

Wooden spoon: Warriors

Dally M: Luke Keary (Roosters)

Origin: Queensland 2-1

Shock and Awe headline: Brodie Croft breaks the Broncos’ 14-year premiership drought.

MIKE COLMAN

The Courier-Mail sports writer

Top 8

1. Roosters

2. Storm

3. Sea Eagles

4. Raiders

5. Rabbitohs

6. Eels

7. Broncos

8. Bulldogs

Premiers: Roosters

Wooden spoon: Dragons

Dally M: James Tedesco (Roosters)

Origin: NSW 2-1

Shock and Awe headline: Izzy Serious? Kevvy Walters flies Folau into town for

Origin lll.

Can Jason Taumalolo claim the Dally M again. Picture: Alix Sweeney

CHRIS HONNERY

Rugby league writer

Top 8

1. Raiders

2. Storm

3. Rabbitohs

4. Cowboys

5. Eels

6. Roosters

7. Knights

8. Broncos

Premiers: Raiders

Wooden spoon: Warriors

Dally M: Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)

Origin: Queensland 3-0

Shock and Awe headline: Broncos

superstar David Fifita signs with the Gold Coast Titans.

The Courier-Mail's Robert Craddock with Meg Ward. Picture: Tara Croser.

ROBERT CRADDOCK

The Courier-Mail chief sportswriter

Top 8

1. Eels

2. Storm

3. Roosters

4. Raiders

5. Knights

6. Cowboys

7. Broncos

8. Rabbitohs

Premier: Parramatta

Wooden spoon: Bulldogs

Dally M: Cameron Munster (Storm)

Origin: Queensland 2-1

Shock and Awe headline: New player manager Phil Gould signs up Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.

TRAVIS MEYN

Rugby league writer

Top 8

1. Storm

2. Eels

3. Roosters

4. Rabbitohs

5. Knights

6. Raiders

7. Broncos

8. Cowboys

Premiers: Storm

Wooden spoon: Warriors

Dally M: Payne Haas (Broncos)

Origin: Queensland 2-1

Shock and Awe headline: Cameron Smith wins fairytale premiership to finish career.

The Courier-Mail’s rugby league team: Chris Honnery, Peter Badel, Rikki-Lee Arnold, Robert Craddock, and Travis Meyn. Picture: Liam Kidston

RIKKI-LEE ARNOLD

Rugby league writer

Top 8

1. Storm

2. Raiders

3. Roosters

4. Eels

5. Rabbitohs

6. Broncos

7. Sea Eagles

8. Cowboys

Premiers: Raiders

Wooden spoon: Dragons

Dally M: Cameron Munster (Storm)

Origin: Queensland 2-1

Shock and Awe headline: Queensland women win their first State of Origin

trophy.