After 26 weeks and over 100 games, the Australian National Rugby League competition has sorted out its final table. The eight best teams over the last half  year have settled their places in what is regarded as the world's best Rugby League competition. It is probably also the most even - with over seven premiers (champions) in the last decade.  But an impending Storm gathers.....

Melbourne have for the second year running been crowned Minor Premiers - finishing the round-robin season ranked No.1. They have lost only three games this season, and in two years have been beaten only once at their fearsome stronghold, Melbourne's Olympic Park.  Their two-year record stands at 45-7 (including last year's final) and they have been the form team of the last two years.  They were pipped to the post last year in the Grand Final, losing to Brisbane despite some shaky referee decisions.

We preview the first week of the Finals (home team first):

'Melbourne have hit top gear in recent weeks. They boast threats all over the park, have the best attacking and defensive record in the competition, and are basically unbeatable at home'


Melbourne Storm (1) vs Brisbane Broncos (8)

The minor premiers host the defending premiers, who have limped into this year's finals, their last result being a 68-22 hiding at the hands of the Paramatta Eels. Brisbane have suffered a horrible injury toll this year, being without playmakers Darren Lockyer, Karmicheal Hunt and Shaun Berrigan, on top of Shane Webcke's retirement last year.  Brisbane are a tough team, and will defend their title to the end.  They are still formidable, but appear without shape in attack without their generals.  Melbourne have hit top gear in recent weeks.  They boast threats all over the park, have the best attacking and defensive record in the competition, and are basically unbeatable at home.  They control the ruck area brilliantly, move off their defensive line like hounds, and are a more balanced team this year.  They are not the No.1 qualifying team for nothing.

Prediction: Melbourne to end Brisbane's reign as premiers. Broncos have too many injuries to key players, and Melbourne will be on a mission, both for the title and for revenge.  Storm to win by 15.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (2) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)

Manly have been the surprise packet of the season.  They have an excellent balance, with their big men providing plenty of menace in go forward, their backline being precise and sharp, and their game plan being one of quick plays and constant pressure.  They are deservedly the second-best team in the competition.  But they host South Sydney in their first finals appearence in 18 years.  While the Rabbitohs, one of the league's great teams, have been up and down this season, they still boast a fearsome team, with one of the biggest packs in the NRL led by New Zealand International captain Roy Asotasi.  They will rumble with Manly, but the Sea Eagles will have too much pace in the backs and too much smarts to be beaten by the Brutes from the South.

Prediction: Manly to continue their fairytale run, but Souths will push them hard and knock them about and will inflict some injuries to the Sea Eagles.  Manly by 12.

North Queensland Cowboys (3) vs Canterbury Bulldogs (6)

A rematch of the final rounds match, which the Cowboys led 38-6, before the Bulldogs came back to almost win with a final score of 38-32.  The Cowboys have the worst defensive record of any of the top eight teams, but with mercurial Jonathen Thurston and Matt Bowen, have probably the two most creative attacking footballers in the competition.  They will back themselves to score more points than any team, but will leak plenty in the process.  The Bulldogs have never really lived up to potential this year, looking like premiership favourites one week, but are easily beaten by weaker teams the next.  They have a powerful pack, strong running backs and realistically Rugby League's most powerful presence in Sonny Bill Williams.  But their inability for consistency is against them.  However, they know how to shut down the Cowboys.  If they can tighten their defence, especially in the play the ball area, they are in with a chance.

Prediction: Both teams will know each other well a week after playing each other.  While the Cowboys were at their attacking best, the Bulldogs were off their game, but came back strong.  They won't make the same mistake twice and will be up for this from the first minute.  Canterbury by four.

New Zealand Warriors (4) vs  Parramatta Eels (5)

The closest match of the finals.  Parramatta were superb in dispatching a wounded Brisbane team last weekend, and have attacking weapons across the park.  But they will find the Warriors in Auckland a different proposition.  The Warriors have come back strong after losing 6 straight mid-season, and have announced themselves as genuine premiership threats, losing only one game in their last ten.  They have a brutal forward pack led by Steve Price and Ruben Wiki, and their backline has been a revelation this season.  However, the Eels have Australian national representatives in key positions across their backline, and will exert great pressure on the New Zealanders.  However, for all of the Eels threat, they have been inconsistent in recent weeks, and the Brisbane game will give them too much confidence.  The Warriors have been tested recently, and are a different team at home.

Prediction:  Parramatta will come out hard, but the trip across the Tasman and a short turnaround from playing Sunday will plays its toll.  The Warriors know they have the arsenal to win the competition, and will not dissapoint close to 30,000 fans at home.  New Zealand by 10 points.

Can anyone stop the Storm? What do you think? Post your comments below or submit and article to Sportingo.