The Future League answers the important questions of each conference over rounds five to eight.

Q: Can the Broncos retain their consistency leading into the State of Origin period?

It’s been a long time since the Brisbane Broncos have been decimated by the representative period, but thanks to an impressive start to the season there’s a good chance key players are going to be involved right across the board in 2015. Three of the Broncos’ four players featured in the representative round (Josh McGuire, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday) have all played key roles in their impressive start to the season and have helped lay the platform for halfback Ben Hunt – who may feature in the Queensland State of Origin side – to shine. The more victories they can collect over the first 10 rounds, the better. Currently sitting on top of the NRL North conference table with a 6-2 record, the Broncos need to win as many matches as they can to sit in a comfortable position come State of Origin time. And with the added bonus of back-to-back conference matches between the Cowboys and the Knights on the horizon, it’ll be a telling blow against their rivals’ title hopes if they do.

Q: Can the teams of the NRL East conference arrest the slide?

How about this interesting statistic: in the last three rounds, teams of the NRL East conference have won only three out of 12 matches. Injuries have played a part, but while the Rabbitohs and the Roosters started the season well, the Warriors and Sea Eagles are somehow still within striking distance of the top of the conference table if they can turn their form around. Round nine is a significant one for every team in the NRL East, regardless of whether they’re setting the pace or trying to keep up with it.

Q: Is the form of the NRL South conference here to stay?

One month ago the teams of the NRL South conference were far from setting the world on fire – how much difference four rounds can make. Three of the four teams’ winning percentage is 50% or above; the Dragons have tackled their way into the top four with six wins in a row; the Raiders have showed renewed confidence and their ability to come from behind to win; the Sharks have rallied to defeat the last two NRL premiership-winning teams; and the well-oiled machine of the Melbourne Storm has continued to deliver. If this form continues, the next conference match-up, between the Dragons and Sharks in round 12, should be one to watch.

Q: Is any team convincing in the NRL West?

Take a look at the NRL West conference table and see if you can find which team is standing out as an early contender for the title. While the Panthers’ injury woes have seen their early-season form fall away, and the Bulldogs’ imposing forward pack has been effected by suspension. On their day, the Tigers can beat anyone – they can also lose to anyone as well. On the other hand, the Eels have demonstrated an ability to perform well at home but have yet to be able to consistently replicate that attitude on the road. The NRL West conference title is definitely wide open, and chances are it will remain this way through the State of Origin period as well.