The annual All Stars clash is over and rugby league is again flowing through the veins of league fans.
Bookmakers are busy labelling the favourites and opening markets for top try scorers and point scorers.
For those of you playing at home, sportsbet.com.au has Akuila Uate and Benji Marshall respected favourites while Newcastle, Manly and Wests Tigers are level to win the premiership.
My prediction is Melbourne to win the grand final, Ben Barba top try scorer and Marshall to claim the points honour.
While bets flurry in, the fans begin to talk up their team’s chances and brag of their off-season buys.
Unfortunately the harsh reality is, like every season, there will be a winner and a loser, some talent unearthed and some talent retired.
On that topic, Parramatta has secured two of the most exciting buys this season in Chris Sandow and Willie Tonga.
Throw former Kiwi play maker Ben Roberts in the mix and the Eels are sure to shock some fans this season.
The biggest question mark hangs over the head of their captain Nathan Hindmarsh who is acting coy on his future.
While it has been speculated he will retire at the end of the season, after speaking to him following the All Stars game I must agree although hope he plays on.
Gold Coast's recruitment has been the most impressive of any team, however there is a troubling question mark over the Titans' five-eighth and fullback.
Halfback and captain Scott Prince needs a natural five-eighth alongside him to help relieve some of the pressure.
I expect William Zillman and Jordan Rankin to swap positions at some point during the season.
With Jamal Idris, Luke Douglas and Nate Myles joining the likes of Luke Bailey and Greg Bird they are well on their way to building a lethal side.
Cronulla is another team which has made the most of the recruitment, managing to snag who in my opinion will be the buy-of-the-year, Todd Carney.
Andrew Fifita and Bryce Gibbs will have Tigers fans scratching their heads as to why they let them go in order to spend their savings on Adam Blair.
Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus has returned with a spring in his step with expectations running high on the former skipper.
I have inside mail that Buderus has told those close to him should he be able to match the standards that he has set for himself in the NRL this year, he will play on for another season.
The big question however remains. Will Buderus be able to reach that standard?
Knights fans stay on the lookout for young centre’s Alex McKinnon and Kevin Naiqama to make their way into the side at some point throughout the year.
Canterbury Bulldogs youngster Dale Finucane is a must to make his first grade debut this year as is Tautua Moga at the Roosters.
Brisbane is in their post Darren Lockyer area and the club will remain patient with Corey Norman who will provide to be a suitable replacement.
A colleague of mine told me last week; Des Hasler will miss Manly more than Manly will miss Des - and I have to agree.
The Sea Eagles boast an almost unchanged side which looks as dangerous as ever. Keep an eye on utility back Ben Farrar who returns to the club following a stint in France.
Melbourne welcomes Ryan Hoffman back to the club after a year in England and from all reports he is as fit and raring to go as he was in 2010.
Canberra’s priority is to re-sign Josh Dugan and I believe he will be wrapped up within a matter of weeks despite interest from a number of clubs.
Green machine fans should also keep their eyes peeled for impressive Toyota Cup prop Shannon Boyd.
One of those clubs is the Sydney Roosters and while I predict the retirement of their fullback Anthony Minichiello, club insiders have told sportsnewsfirst.com.au that Daniel Mortimer is being groomed to take his place.
St George Illawarra should be excited for the return of young hooker Cameron King and Canberra the recruitment of stalwart Shaun Berrigan.
In North Queensland Robert Lui will eventually partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves to form an impressive combination while New Zealand hooker Pita Godinet will keep Nathan Friend honest in his duties.
I honestly believe it is the closest competition we have had in years and look forward to reading you predictions in the comment section below.