THE GOOD AND BAD NEWS FOR EVERY NRL SIDE’S TILT AT PREMIERSHIP GLORY IN 2015:

BRISBANE

The good: Wayne Bennett’s return to Red Hill. If anyone can return the Broncos to the perennial powerhouse they once were the seven-time premiership coach can. With Anthony Milford to join Ben Hunt in the halves they could thrill again.

The bad: Look vulnerable up front and still rely heavily on veterans Justin Hodges, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday.

Gains: Darius Boyd, Adam Blair, Greg Eden, Mitch Garbutt, James Gavet, Anthony Milford, Matt Parcell, Travis Waddell

Losses: Ben Barba, Jake Granville, David Hala, Ben Hannant, Josh Hoffman, Martin Kennedy, Duncan Paia’Aua, Jharal Yow Yeh

CANBERRA

The good: Jack Wighton could emerge as a genuine superstar in 2015.

The bad: With Anthony Milford gone they lack any real playmaking thrust, and the road trip to Canberra no longer seems to hold the fear it once did. Coach Ricky Stuart will be pinning his hopes on some of the young players coming through the ranks.

Gains: Blake Austin, Josh Hodgson, Sisa Waqa, Sam Williams, Iosia Soliola

Losses: Matt Allwood, Jake Foster, Matt Frawley, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Sam Mataora, Anthony Milford, Reece Robinson, Sami Sauiluma, Lagi Setu, Brett White

CANTERBURY

The good: the acquisition of Brett Morris will solve their fullback dilemma and make them one of the teams to beat. They were busted and broken in the grand final and that loss will only inspire them.

The bad: Coach Des Hasler has taken a gamble on rookie hooker Michael Lichaa, with captain Michael Ennis leaving for the Sharks. They struggled for tries in 2014, will Morris’ signing be enough to improve that?

Gains: Matt Frawley, Antonio Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa, Jacob Loko, Brett Morris, Curtis Rona

Losses: Mitch Brown, Lachlan Burr, Michael Ennis, Krisnan Inu, Tom Murphy, John Sila, Pat Templeman

CRONULLA

The good: With the ASADA scandal wrapped and coach Shane Flanagan back from suspension the Sharks appear a genuine finals chance with a quality forward pack bolstered by the nous and experience of Michael Ennis and the signing of 2012 Dally M Medallist Ben Barba.

The bad: There are still plenty of chips left on shoulders in the Shire in the aftermath of the ASADA saga. They need to get over it and move on to be successful.

Gains: Ben Barba, Jack Bird, Mitch Brown, Jayson Bukuya, Michael Ennis, Saulala Houma, Todd Murphy, Sami Sauiluma

Losses: Todd Carney, Bryce Gibbs, Michael Lichaa, Sione Masima, Mark Mexico, John Morris, Beau Ryan, Tupou Sopoaga, Siosaia Vave

GOLD COAST

The good: Josh Hoffman will add plenty of spark at fullback and Aidan Sezer can become a top-class playmaker for new coach Neil Henry.

The bad: Another long year looms for Titans fans, following the loss of a number of experienced forwards and halfback Albert Kelly.

Gains: Lachlan Burr, Davin Crampton, David Hala, Josh Hoffman, Jai Ingram, Matt Robinson, Ryan Simpkins

Losses: Luke Bailey, Maurice Blair, Ashley Harrison, Beau Henry, Sam Irwin, Albert Kelly, Tom Kingston, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Cody Nelson, Brad Takairangi

MANLY

The good: Off-field stability without constant squabbles at board level can only be a good thing at Brookvale, now that Manly’s ownership issues have been settled.

The bad: They have lost three key forwards and superstar halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are both off contract at season’s end and will certainly lead to continued speculation over their futures.

Gains: Uiti Baker, Blake Leary, Willie Mason, Feleti Mateo, Zane Tetevano, Siosaia Vave, Brayden Wiliame

Losses: Daniel Harrison, Jason King, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough

MELBOURNE

The good: The Big Three – Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater – remain among the game’s premier players and Craig Bellamy one of its best coaches.

The bad: Ryan Hoffman is a big loss, Cronk doesn’t have a settled halves partner and Melbourne seem to lack the ruthlessness that they once owned.

Gains: Blake Green, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Shaun Nona

Losses: Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Hoffman, Rhys Kennedy, Junior Moors, Bryan Norrie, Ben Roberts, Joel Romelo, George Rose, Cody Walker, Sisa Waqa

NEWCASTLE

The good: Sione Mata’utia appears set to become a star in 2015 and coach Rick Stone takes over a team capable of playing finals football with forward Tariq Sims a key signing.

The bad: Look to lack the class capable of worrying the very top sides. Need to be better on the road.

Gains: Sam Mataora, Tariq Sims, Jack Stockwell, James Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave

Losses: Darius Boyd, Adam Cuthbertson, Michael Dobson, Matt Hilder, Josh Mantellato, Willie Mason, Matt Minto, Chance Peni, Zane Tetevano, Travis Waddell, Brayden Wiliame

WARRIORS

The good: Player of the Four Nations, Shaun Johnson has shown he could dominate in the NRL next season.

The bad: As ever, need to find that elusive consistency and improve their away record if they are to be a force.

Gains: Matt Allwood, Ryan Hoffman, Bodene Thompson

Losses: Jayson Bukuya, Feleti Mateo, Abraham Papalii, Jerome Ropati, James Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard

NORTH QUEENSLAND

The good: The acquisition of Ben Hannant gives further starch to an already impressive pack, boosted by the rise of Jason Taumalolo.

The bad: Their premiership window is closing fast. It could really be a case of now or never next year. Out wide they look stretched for quality.

Gains: Jake Granville, Ben Hannant, Kyle McConnell, Kelepi Tanginoa

Losses: Anthony Mitchell, Curtis Rona, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Brent Tate, Ricky Thorby.

PARRAMATTA

The good: The side’s development should continue under coach Brad Arthur in his second year, especially with the younger players coming through. Anthony Watmough adds a dynamic edge to their pack.

The bad: As much as the club are putting on a brave face, it is very hard to see how they will overcome the loss of Jarryd Hayne.

Gains: Beau Champion, Ben Crooks, Richie Fa’aoso, Shannan McPherson, Cody Nelson, Reece Robinson, Brad Takairangi, Anthony Watmough, Danny Wicks

Losses: Evander Cummins, Liam Foran, Daniel Harrison, Jarryd Hayne, Jacob Loko , Lorenzo Ma’Afu, Lee Mossop, Ken Sio, Ben Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa, Willie Tonga

PENRITH

The good: Poised for a premiership tilt after last year’s rise to finals football.

The bad: Concerns over Peter Wallace following another knee reconstruction.

Gains: Apisai Koroisau, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Tupou Sopoaga.

Losses: Ethan Cook, Tim Grant, Tom Humble, Kevin Kingston, Eto Nabuli, Kevin Naiqama, Wes Naiqama, Matt Robinson, Ryan Simpkins, Vaipuna Tia Kilifi

SOUTH SYDNEY

The good: The premiership win gives their relatively young side plenty of confidence and they have a team spearheaded by Greg Inglis capable of going back-to-back.

The bad: Sam Burgess will be impossible to replace. Ben Te’o is a big loss too. Hard to see how Souths will cover for their contribution.

Gains: Tim Grant, Sione Masima, Glenn Stewart, Cody Walker

Losses: Sam Burgess, Beau Champion, Apisai Koroisau, Nathan Merritt, Joe Picker, Ben Te’o

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA

The good: With a pre-season under their belt the halves combination of Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop should thrive in 2015.

The bad: Still look light up front. Brett Morris is a massive loss. Salary cap problems have hobbled the Dragons and they could be in for a long year.

Gains: Fraser Alcock, Beau Henry, Heath L’Estrange, Eto Nabuli, Rulon Nutira, George Rose, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard

Losses: Jack Bird, Matt Groat, Brett Morris, Jack Stockwell, Michael Witt

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

The good: Blake Ferguson was set to explode as one of the NRL’s premier players before his troubles and could do so in 2015 if finally cleared to play by the NRL.

The bad: Sonny Bill Williams didn’t reach the heights of 2013 last season but still leaves a big hole in the pack and in the Roosters’ attack.

Gains: Blake Ferguson, Martin Kennedy, Abraham Papalii, Lagi Setu

Losses: Remi Casty, Saulala Houma, Heath L’Estrange, Rhyse Martin, Anthony Minichiello, Curtis Naughton, Sonny Bill Williams

WESTS TIGERS

The good: Luke Brooks will be all the better for a full season under his belt and, alongside the boom halfback, the Tigers possess the best young talent in the NRL.

The bad: New coach Jason Taylor will be expected to produce results from the outset with his inexperienced side, and take them to the finals.

Gains: Josh Drinkwater, Kevin Naiqama, Chance Peni

Losses: Adam Blair, Braith Anasta, Blake Austin, Jarred Farlow, Liam Fulton, James Gavet, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cory Paterson, Bodene Thompson