My prediction is that in spite of a lack of joy in Mudville, the Thorns will make good use of the lessons of the tournament and come back, whatever form the next season takes, prepared to be competitive with NCC.
My wild prediction is that Riley will declare that NCC is the best team on the planet, that he has founded a dynasty that will dominate the sport for years to come, and that he is retiring to take up beekeeping in Sussex.