The heavyweight NRL East conference looks set for a changing of the guard in 2016.

The NRL East conference has never looked as strong as it does right now. Considering three of the last five premiers have come out of it, that’s certainly saying something.

The rivalries between the four teams have also risen to a new level – and it’s the manner in which this has occurred that makes the NRL East conference the one to watch.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters have been the most successful teams in the NRL East for the last several years, but player movements within the conference have levelled the playing field. Former Rabbitohs hooker Issac Luke and former Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may come back to haunt their former sides as part of the formidable New Zealand Warriors outfit, while the same can also be said for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ Dylan Walker, who previously played for the bunnies.

The acquisitions of both Luke and Tuivasa-Sheck see the Warriors possess the potential similar to that of their  teams of the early 2000s. After a 13-year conference title drought, 2016 might be the best chance they’ve had in many years to break it.

The other contender for the NRL East is Manly. After many astute purchases in the player market, the Sea Eagles have a dominant forward pack, a backline full of class and a top-tier spine. This could be the team to beat in the conference.

Both the Rabbitohs and the Roosters will be competitive, but the question remains unanswered as to whether they can overcome significant personnel changes. For the Rabbitohs, will the return of Sam Burgess catapult them back to title contention? For the Roosters, can they continue their run of conference titles?

Whatever happens, there is one element devoid of doubt: the team that emerges victorious out of the NRL East will have overcome the toughest conference in the league.

Predicted conference champion: Sea Eagles

Predicted surprise performers: Warriors