3. The Cowboys don't repeat
Whatever unfolds this year, it's hard to see Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston holding the NRL trophy aloft in October. The North Queensland Cowboys will be strong contenders, with their powerful squad and the pressure going off somewhat after their win last year. But repeat triumphs just don't happen in the NRL. There hasn't been back-to-back champions since the Broncos in 1992-93, when Allan Langer, Steve Renouf and Glenn Lazarus proved incomparable. Since then, a succession of great teams have failed to back up. Some have fallen at the final hurdle, others disappeared almost without trace the following season.
4. Coaching changes, as Ivan Cleary returns to the NRL
It would not surprise to see the coaching merry-go-round begin by June. Jason Taylor (Wests Tigers), Neil Henry (Titans) and Andrew McFadden appear under the most pressure, albeit for differing reasons. Taylor has made some unpopular decisions around name players, McFadden has a dream roster, Henry has almost no one. If things go south, Ivan Cleary's availability will tempt senior club officials and Craig Bellamy could also come on to the market, as his Melbourne Storm contract finishes at the end of this year.
5. Off-field incidents
It's pointless to speculate what kind of incidents might unfold, as NRL players continue to surprise with their 'creativity', but unsavoury headlines will emerge at some point. The only guarantee is there will be alcohol, extremely poor judgement, moral outrage and a carefully-scripted remorseful apology.
6. Maroons continue their State of Origin dominance
Despite Sydney hosting two matches this year, it's hard to see anything other than New South Wales getting the blues again. Queensland still have the best halves in the game and Laurie Daley's team will have yet another new look spine. Back the Maroons to win their 10th series in 11 years.
7. Drama, mate
The NRL continues to serve up the best sporting theatre in Australasia, epitomised by last year's grand final. Expect more miracle plays, on-the-hooter finishes, amazing acrobatic feats and against-the-odds moments in 2016. That's just how it works.