With only 11 rounds left in the 2015 NRL season, the conference contenders have well and truly emerged. The Future League analyses who they are and who will ultimately triumph.
Contenders: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; Penrith Panthers
The NRL West conference table is still congested, but on what they’ve demonstrated so far this season only the Bulldogs and Panthers have stood out as possible conference champions. The Bulldogs only have the one match against a conference rival in the run into the finals, facing the floundering Parramatta Eels in round 19. The Panthers can give themselves some breathing space over the inconsistent Wests Tigers with a victory when they clash in round 16, as well as facing the Eels in round 22. The Bulldogs are starting to put some wins together, while the Panthers’ injury woes are impacting on their ability to find some momentum. This may prove to be the determining factor in who will triumph in the NRL West conference.
The Future League prediction: Bulldogs
Contenders: Sydney Roosters; South Sydney Rabbitohs; New Zealand Warriors
All season the NRL East conference lead has gone back and forth between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, and at the conclusion of round 15 the two sides are level on 18 points apiece. Not too far behind them, and with the capacity to challenge for the title as well, are the Warriors on 16 points. However, they have lost crucial conference rivalry matches against both the Rabbitohs and Roosters which may come back to haunt them. Of the Rabbitohs and Roosters, the reigning premiers appear to have the easier run home. They play both the under-performing conference rivals Manly Sea Eagles and the depleted Panthers twice before their last-round clash with the Roosters.
The Future League prediction: Rabbitohs
Contenders: St George Illawarra Dragons; Melbourne Storm
Injuries have diminished the chances of the Melbourne Storm defending their NRL South conference title. The loss of Billy Slater for the Melbourne Storm is big, but it’s nothing compared to that of Cooper Cronk. The sooner he is back, the better, because the Storm haven’t won a match since Cronk injured his knee against the Panthers in round 13. The Dragons have looked strong, and while they have lost their last two matches, they are still in the box seat to claim their first conference crown since 2011.
The Future League prediction: Dragons
Contenders: Brisbane Broncos; North Queensland Cowboys
How fun has it been to watch these two teams assume the titles of competition heavyweights? The Broncos and Cowboys have kicked on and far away from the rest of the NRL North conference and look set to slug it out for the title right up until the end. Somehow the Broncos keep doing what they need to do to remain on top of the NRL North despite the Cowboys winning 11 straight matches, but with a more difficult run home, there is every chance the Cowboys may pip them at the post.
The Future League prediction: Cowboys
The Future League 