The Brisbane Broncos have just about sealed up the NRL minor
premiership, but in the most unpredictable competition in my memory the real
question is which is going to be its main challenger for the premiership
in about ten weeks time?

And what a question it is – after yet another round of surprise
results and defeats for teams near the top of the premiership table.

The Broncos with their workmanlike win over Storm at Lang Park yesterday
now have a six-point buffer at the top. And that’s due not only
to their consistent form, but the up and down form of their nearest
challengers.

For example, three of the top five teams – Eels, Storm and Cowboys – all
lost at the weekend, but remain in contention for a top four spot.

With seven rounds to go, 12 of the 15 teams can still make the finals.
Only the Knights, Rabbitohs and Panthers are out of contention. The Eels on 26
points should be safe for a finals spot, and the Sharks on 24 points are
reasonably placed to make the final eight.

But after that it’s an absolute raffle.

The full story is on the site here.