The Future League answers the important questions of each conference over rounds nine to 12.

Q: Who will feel the effects of State of Origin the most in the NRL North conference?

With the way the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys are both going at the moment, it seems as if neither team are suffering through the Origin period. Neither side has lost a match since the Origin period began, but if one had to choose who would finish the next month on top, it would be the Broncos. Their spine is currently unaffected by Origin selections, meaning the key orchestrators of their game plans can consistently provide the leadership their team needs while they star players are away.

Q: Are the Raiders on the slide?

In round nine, the Canberra Raiders thrashed the Gold Coast Titans 56-16. It capped off an impressive run of form and shift in attitude (so much so The Future League featured them in its Conference Surprises for the month of May), but then the wins dried up. Three losses on the trot have seen them slide down the NRL South conference ladder and in danger of losing touch of the St George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm at the top. Their round 13 clash with the Newcastle Knights is a great mental test for the Raiders. Can they improve their defence and get back to their winning ways?

Q: Are the Sea Eagles the most competitive bottom-placed team this decade?

There is definitely no doubt that while the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles are sitting at the foot of the NRL East conference table right now, they do not seem too far off the pace. Two consecutive wins against the Storm and the Knights hinted at the Sea Eagles of old, however, two heartbreakingly close losses have not helped their cause to rise off the bottom. Despite their injuries, and results, the Sea Eagles have been competitive and appeared much hungrier for a result than earlier in the season. Beating the Broncos in Brisbane is a big challenge in round 13, but being only a minute away from defeating the Cowboys last round, the Sea Eagles would be confident they can travel back to Queensland and claim a win.

Q: Will any team in the NRL West Conference have a positive points differential anytime soon?

Every time a team from the NRL West starts to gather some momentum the wheels start to come loose. And so the story has gone all season, as the Bulldogs, Eels, Panthers and Tigers have managed to stay in striking distance of one another through injuries, suspensions and poor form. In fact, nobody has consistently stood out as a true contender for the NRL West. The Future League has said it already, but this may be the conference that won’t be decided until the final round if it stays this way.