Three days away from the big kick-off and no doubt we'll soon be hearing of the unpredictability of Super League. Apart from the top two, that is.
Can anyone really see Leeds and St Helens not leading the pack by the time the play-offs start?
True, Leeds have lost Gareth Ellis – but Danny Buderus and Greg Eastwood will more than make up the difference. Then they've got another batch of youngsters simmering away under the surface, much like Daryl Powell had during his time at the club. Look what Powell's kids have since achieved.
Saints look every bit as strong as last year, while the acquisition of Mick Potter ensures the loss of Daniel Anderson won't be felt too much.
Bradford, Wigan, Catalans and Hull look strong enough to finish in the top six, while there'll be plenty of interest to see how Nathan Brown and James Lowes get on at Huddersfield and Warrington respectively. Lowes, in particular, needs a good season. The Wolves boss was only given a one-year deal and rumours continue to circulate that he'll be ditched in favour of Tony Smith come the end of 2009.
Elsewhere, expect an improvement from Castleford and a solid if not spectacular season at Craven Park.
Brian McDermott's statement that "if we don't win the competition this year, we'll be disappointed" should come back to haunt him. If Quins winning the title really is the only progress that will please him, it will be a long year for the former Bradford prop.
That leaves just Wakefield, Salford and Celtic. You can make your own choices about who'll come bottom!