Matty Johns: The battle for 2018 is an eight-way NRL title tussle

THERE’S good news and bad news. The bad news is the top eight looks just about locked in. But the good news is I can’t remember a more wide-open competition. Let’s go through the top eight and see how the teams are shaping up.

The top eight is all but locked in. The only question now: Who has the ability to carry on through the finals?

THERE’S good news and bad news.

The bad news is the top eight looks just about locked in. With a six-point split between eighth and ninth, it’s going to take a huge late run, or a huge late collapse for someone in the bottom half to play finals football.

But the good news is I can’t remember a more wide-open competition.

A late-season burst of form, or maybe a run of good fortune could decide it.

Let’s go through the top eight and see how the teams are shaping up.

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Top of the table and deservedly so, they’ve been the benchmark for intensity and consistency.

One of the greatest threats to the Dragons’ winning the title is themselves.

Their season-long intensity, combined with their amount of Origin representation, seems to be taking a toll.

The State of Origin series presents a number of challenges for coach Paul McGregor, outside of fatigue.

Gareth Widdop is enjoying his most successful season since joining the Dragons. Picture: Getty

Look at the way the Blues celebrated after their game two victory, it was grand final-like. But after Wednesday’s third match, they need to refocus and go again. For players experiencing their first series, as some of the Dragons are, that’s a real challenge.

On top of that Ben Hunt has been made the scapegoat for Queensland’s failures. McGregor is faced with having to rebuild his No. 7’s confidence.

KEY MAN — Tyson Frizell is the forward leader who lifts them emotionally. His form in the run home is vital.

MY ODDS TO WIN IT — $6.50

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

The competition favourites and it’s easy to see why.

The Bunnies look the least stressed of all the top teams. They’re like a thoroughbred, tucked in on the fence, head down nice and relaxed with a 1000 metres to go in the Melbourne Cup.

It’s their attack which has reignited their football. They are deriving enormous confidence and enjoyment out of their ability to score points and it’s taking the pressure off their defence to win football games.

Will Greg Inglis’ thumb injury prove the Rabbitohs’ downfall? Picture: Getty

The only concern is their ruthlessness.

They don’t appear bothered by the opposition scoring 20 points because they’ll score more.

That’s bad practice and needs to be addressed.

KEY MAN — Greg Inglis’ broken thumb will present a challenge in the next month but if anything, it may freshen him for the finals.

MY ODDS — $3.50

MELBOURNE STORM

It’s been a strange season. They’ve rarely been hot, just lukewarm.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it means they haven’t spent too much fuel.

I see them as the main danger to Souths. They have big-game instincts and bigger individuals who leave their best for September.

You can see they are still adjusting to life without Cooper Cronk as far as tempo of their attack is concerned, but Cam Smith’s rep football retirement is a blessing and they are starting to narrow in focus.

KEY MAN — Cameron Smith, still the best player in rugby league.

MY ODDS — $5

Cameron Smith might have retired from rep footy but he is still the man to lead the Storm. Picture: AAP

PENRITH PANTHERS

Getting wobbly.

This young squad has endured a lot of injuries to key men and it’s starting to tell on them.

In the last two games Penrith have looked very tired. One of the keys to their success has been their defensive energy, but that has subsided of late, the first sign of fatigue.

It’s tough for young players to refocus and re-energise themselves, but that’s what the Panthers must do if they are to make an impact in the finals.

KEY MAN — James Maloney, he’s the winner with the experience.

MY ODDS — $9

NZ WARRIORS

Talk Warriors and you talk talent, but you also talk inconsistency.

Credit where it’s due, their start to the year was outstanding. They really got the balance in their game right, playing power football, pouring energy into defence and allowing attacking talent to be the cream on top.

As we hit the middle season, some of the old inconsistencies have crept back in, with some key players injured.

A very dangerous team. Have the talent to cause some finals damage if they get the balance back.

KEY MAN — Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has returned to his best and established himself as a terrific leader.

MY ODDS — $14

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been in fine form in 2018 and the Warriors will need that to continue. Picture: AAP

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

When they bought Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco we envisaged a classy attacking football team, but the word which best applies to the tricolours is “gritty”.

The Roosters play a tight attacking game, with lots of middle-field starts off halfback Cronk.

Against the best defences it’s looked a little claustrophobic, but they are on the improve and their best football is yet to come.

Very capable of a late surge to steal the trophy.

KEY MAN — James Tedesco. I expect him to explode after this successful Origin campaign.

MY ODDS — $6.50

CRONULLA SHARKS

The smoky.

The Sharks have flown under the radar all season but look set for a late run.

Crucially, they are about to welcome back key men Luke Lewis, Josh Dugan and Wade Graham, who will make a huge difference.

Some of the key combinations are starting to form nicely

And I’ve got a feeling Aaron Woods might just run into some seriously good form which is a huge bonus.

KEY MAN — Luke Lewis. Has enormous experience and really stiffens up the defensive line. Gives the team leadership and confidence.

MY ODDS — $9

Aaron Woods celebrates with James Segeyaro after winning his first match as a Shark. Picture: Getty

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Have got some of the best young middle forwards in the game but are a creative player or two short.

In tight matches they get unsteady at the back end and really miss a guiding half who can control a contest and manage a victory.

At the moment there’s a huge reliance on Anthony Milford’s running game for creative opportunity.

KEY MAN — In attack it’s all about Anthony Milford and his light feet.

MY ODDS — $18

Originally published as Matty Johns: The battle for 2018 is an eight-way NRL title tussle