Five rounds in and the 2015 NRL season is already throwing up an array of twists and turns. Every month The Future League will delve into the surprise packets of each conference. Here are the selections for April.

NRL South: The Dragons’ Defensive Scales

Who would have thought that the St George Illawarra Dragons would finish round five with the best defensive record in the NRL? Not only that, but they sit atop the NRL North conference alongside the Melbourne Storm. If the Dragons can continue their defensive efforts and get their attack into gear, they can launch a legitimate attempt at usurping the Storm of their conference title.

NRL North: The Knights’ New Dawn

While the Brisbane Broncos have also started the season well, it is the four-round unbeaten run of the Newcastle Knights that has been the feel-good story of the NRL North. They’ve came from behind to win against the New Zealand Warriors, won two close matches on the road and won convincingly against the Penrith Panthers at home – all positive signs for things to come.

NRL West: The Tigers Bare Their Teeth

Whatever occurred in the inner sanctum of the Wests Tigers over the pre-season has worked: they have started 2015 with a vigour not seen in recent years. A 3-2 record might not seem like anything to boast about, but when you are a team with one of the youngest ‘spines’ in the NRL it is a promising sign. Their two losses so far – to reigning premiers the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canterbury Bulldogs in extra-time – will inevitably provide them with more learning experiences than their victories.

NRL East: The Sea Eagles’ Ruffled Feathers

Yes, they’ve struggled to field a full-strength side so far this season, with injuries to their starting front row and centre pairing, but it’s the way in which the Manly Sea Eagles have lost their matches that is most concerning. After bouncing back from their first-round defeat to the Parramatta Eels with a tight win against the Melbourne Storm in round two, the Sea Eagles have looked devoid of attacking penetration and goal-line defensive grit. Their defeat at the hands of the Canberra Raiders in round five didn’t demonstrate the signs of an understrength champion fighting tooth and nail to retain its reputation.

Related Posts: Conference Questions Answered: Weeks 1-4