For the 2014 NRL season we've got a panel of lads who will share their views of the weekend's action. This week we'll look forward to the season as a whole...

Top Dogs

Chief Biggums - The defending premiers, the Roosters without a doubt. They lost little from their championship winning team last year and won the World Club Challenge a couple of weeks ago. The same old from the last few years will be up there - Bunnies, Storm & Manly

Mystery Dr - For me, it's a big three with the Bunnies, Roosters and Sea Eagles all a class above the others. The Storm will battle Origin and injuries while the Cowboys could put themselves in this section as well.

The Bain - Can't go past the big boys. Melbourne Storm, Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters. So much class.

Senor Spectre - It’s hard to go past the Roosters, Rabbits and the Sea Eagles. There aren’t many teams that go back to back in the NRL (bar those filthy cheating Melbourne blokes), so I think that is going to count against them taking it out this year. The Rabbits just can’t seem to get the Hoodoo off their back. One more year of experience though could prove the goods and Sammy Burgess will want one hell of a swansong. Manly are always the consummate professionals and with Daly Cherry Evans they will go just fine once again.

The Titans need Dave Taylor to be at his best

Lurking around the 8

Chief Biggums - Probably Queensland's best shot at a title this year will be on the back of the Cowboys. They're looking sharp after a quality preseason and picking up the inaugural NRL Nines trophy with the help of their twin cannons Taumalolo & Sims. Reckon the Titans could sneak in this year, but don't look like they have what it takes to go all the way.

Mystery Dr - While the top dogs are pretty clear cut, I'm gonna say that the rest of the NRL can go in to this category. They've all recruited well and will make for a very competitive season as they all try to get the points that will matter at the end of the season.

The Bain - Brisbane Broncos with their fresh lineup, including Ben Barba. Gold Coast Titans will be there abouts as usual. The Warriors should be able to sneak in especially with the exciting Sam Tomkins and Shaun Johnson.

Senor Spectre - I reckon the Eels will go a lot better this year. A few quality acquisitions might not look like turning these guys into playoff contenders, but what it will do is take the heat off Jarrod Hayne and let him get back to his damaging best. Penrith and Newcastle will be knocking on the cusp of the top 8 once again if their squads can stay fit.

Cellar Dwellers

Chief Biggums - The Dragons even before Dugan was ruled out for a while, there's not much else to say about the Red V for now. Similar scene for the Tigers in their post-Benji era, their young guns still might put them on the highlight reel though.

Mystery Dr - The Dragons and Raiders will struggle in my books this season with Ricky Stuart going to once again lead a team in to the shitter. My dark horse for a spot here are the Bulldogs as well.

The Bain - Unfortunately the Parramatta Eels once again. Wests Tigers after losing Benji, the state of their club behind the scenes and also losing players like Blake Ayshford and now Tim Moltzen (again to injury).

Senor Spectre - I can’t see the Wests Tigers doing a hell of a lot better than last year. An unproven halves combination will hinder their chances, but you could say the same about the Broncos, so who really knows. St George could be struggling to keep away the wooden spoon too.

Who's going to emerge

Chief Biggums - The Panthers. They recruited well once again for the upcoming season. They showed improvement last year and are still on the rise this year with their young talent breaking through now too. They should be able to crack the 8 this year after missing out the last 3 seasons.

Mystery Dr - The Titans will push for a top six spot thanks to exciting halves and some dynamic forwards while the Warriors will definitely improve on last year. The Eels and Tigers will be much more competitive than people reckon as well.

The Bain - Penrith Panthers. They have bought quite a list of strong players, such as Jamal Idris, Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward, along with some up and coming youngsters like Tyrone Peachy and last year's exciting Matt Moylan.

Senor Spectre - I like the look of young Paul Carter and even Kane Evans. William Hopoate is back and he will be one to look out for.

Matt Moylan will have to back up his breakout 2013 season.

Best forward pack

Chief Biggums - The Warriors. Always known as a 'big' team physically, they have the forward pack capable of dominating any team this year. They got the metre eaters like Rapira, Matulino, Lillyman & Matagi as well as the ball playing forwards like Mateo & Bukuya. I think they've finally got their balance right this year.

Mystery Dr - Wtf are you guys up to! It's the Cowboys for sure with the best props in the game, the two best young back rowers and one of the most under rated in Gavin Cooper. They're gonna have Ray Thompson at hooker as well which will help their combinations.

The Bain - I have to say the Cronulla Sharks. Fifita, Gallen, Tagataese, Gibbs, Lewis, Heighington, Graham, Tupou and now Prior as well. They have all the aspects you need. Size, strength, power, pace, offloading ability, ball handling, ball play, aggression and experience are all covered. Would not want to come up against that lot.

Senor Spectre - I really like the punch that the Broncos pack has. Sam Thaiday, The polar bear Ben Hannant and Josh McGuire will prove a handful for any pack. But how can you go past the Bulldogs pack once again. Skill and size are the key words when thinking about the likes of Sam Kasiano, James Graham and Franky Pritchard.

What ya reckon about 2014?

Chief Biggums - Looking forward to some faster paced games and more enterprising football. Don't expect anything radical like the Nines, but do expect a few more teams to chance their arm this year. There's a handful of teams who could all take out the premiership this season, but it's a long season and who knows what could happen. Get excited.

Mystery Dr - For mine, this is the year where anyone can win it. There's so many teams who have very solid squads and with plenty of new coaches + former head coaches now assistant coaches expect them to figure out how to stop the best teams.

The Bain - I am totally unsure of what will happen this year in the NRL, so no real predictions from me. However, it is going to be a cracker of a season. There will be a few dark horses in there, some young stars rising and then the regular freaks like GI carving up! Cannot wait!

Senor Spectre - This could be the year of the comeback kids. William Hopoate is coming back from his 2 year Mormon mission. Ben Barba will be looking to unfurl his undeniable talent with the Broncos after moving closer to family and further away from his troubled past. Jamie Soward is back after being left out in the wilderness with the Dragons. These guys have points to prove, just like many others and you can’t help but get excited for the season upon us!!