IF ever proof was needed of what a small window of opportunity exists for clubs in the modern game it is demonstrated in the make-up of this year's top eight.
Just three teams have qualified this year after finishing in the top half of the ladder last season. The demotion of Melbourne played its part, but the situation still indicates how the salary cap has promoted an evenness that makes it increasingly difficult to remain consistently competitive.
It adds plenty of merit to the efforts of the Dragons, Titans and Sea Eagles who have again qualified.
With some teams having momentum going into this weekend and others already struggling, I thought it an opportune time to have a look at those players who I believe shape as the most influential.
For the second year in a row St George Illawarra led all the way to the minor premiership through being clearly the most effective defensive outfit, conceding a measly 299 points from their 24 clashes.
With the football the Dragons take few chances and rely on mistake-free go-forward, and this is where Michael Weyman comes into his own.
The once injury-riddled, roly-poly prop is now a tough and damaging strike weapon who is difficult to stop and is responsible for getting the ball out of his side's danger zone. The Dragons forwards throw very few passes in their own half but Michael has a high degree of skill and is an exception. It is no coincidence that the side have won 14 of the 16 games he has played.
In finishing second, Penrith ended their status as the club to have been out of finals football for the longest period. Their last commitment past round 26 was in 2004.
Importantly, their lofty finish ensures that Petero Civoniceva will be back from suspension in the second week of the finals if they fail to beat Canberra.
The 34-year-old is a modern marvel. The wear and tear of 13 seasons has failed to curb his authority on and off the field. There is little deception in his game - although we have seen him grubber kick twice this year - but he remains supreme in churning out the tough metres.
The Panthers have youth in key areas, notably in the halves and up front, and the confidence they draw from their skipper's presence keeps them mentally attuned.
Wests Tigers have also been missing from the big end-of-season matches for a long time, finishing 11th, 9th, 10th and 9th since winning the title in 2005. They continue to throw around the football, which is their greatest strength and their biggest weakness. At times there is little percentage in their play in which too many passes are thrown when a conservative approach is needed.
Enter Gareth Ellis, who only knows one direction.
What makes the Englishman particularly effective is that apart from always going ahead, he runs intelligent lines. He mixes up his charges by varying his runs at the outside and inside shoulders of those defending him.
He is the necessary balance to the flamboyant work of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah and is the most likely to straighten play when there has been too much sideways movement.
Their opponents from last weekend, the Gold Coast, have evolved beautifully as a football team since becoming a franchise in 2007. Initially the weekly grind of the NRL took its toll, but their apprenticeship has served them well.
It is a well balanced squad with Scott Prince the ringmaster.
Already a premiership winner, he is the best-credentialed halfback of the finals and will make better decisions more consistently under pressure.
We saw his influence when he was forced to leave the field with a shoulder problem against the Tigers. The difference in the Titans' display and on the scoreboard was profound in his 23-minute absence.
This season the Warriors are mentally tougher, which is best demonstrated in their improved defence. With Melbourne out of the reckoning, the New Zealanders are statistically the next best behind the Dragons.
Much has to do with James Maloney's on-field direction, which they have craved since the retirement of Stacey Jones. By being more productive in possession they avoid becoming mentally fatigued after multiple errors.
James has settled their attack, allowing them to concentrate on benefiting from their physical advantage rather than relying on their once scattergun, Harlem Globetrotters approach.
The Roosters denied the Warriors a premiership in 2002 and this year they are looking to become just the second team to go from wooden spooners to premiers in consecutive seasons. Western Suburbs did it 76 years ago.
The gamble of recruiting Todd Carney has paid off big time and his halves pairing with Mitchell Pearce is the best in the business.
Todd is blessed with the rare combination of vision and instinct, which means he is both creative and reactive. The fact he is not only a great passer of the ball but also a dangerous runner makes him the complete package.
Courtesy of a late surge, Canberra have plenty of momentum.
They have won eight of their past nine to maintain their impressive record of being the only club since 1986 to have not missed playing finals football in consecutive years.
With Alan Tongue on the sidelines, even more pressure is heaped on the shoulders of Terry Campese, but he is revelling in directing the team on this exciting run.
After struggling to gel with a regular halfback, Campese has hit form alongside Josh McCrone. Terry is acknowledged as the main ball player while McCrone is much happier running the ball.
Playing behind a monster forward pack and backed by brilliant youngster Josh Dugan at fullback, Campese is at his confident best.
Manly have struggled into the play-offs and have a multitude of stars out injured or suspended.
If they are to cause any stir against the Dragons it will have to be inspired by a Jamie Lyon blinder.
The classy centre has enjoyed an excellent season, but with his young halves starting to feel the pinch, more play needs to be directed his way, especially with Steve Matai missing to the left.
That may also lead to his winger Tony Williams getting more involved, something that is sorely missed.
This weekend it must be all hands on deck for the Sea Eagles.
Email a friend