The Future League answers the important questions of each NRL conference over rounds 13 to 16.

Q: Are the Bulldogs finally barking?

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are well and truly building momentum. They have won four of their last five matches, including victories over the St George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm, two teams that have spent the majority of the season entrenched in the top four. In doing so, the Bulldogs have pulled two points clear atop the NRL West conference table. After their bye in round 17 they will come up against their biggest test: hosting the NRL North conference leaders, the Brisbane Broncos, at ANZ Stadium.

Q: Could losses to their conference rivals dampen the Warriors’ chances?

The New Zealand Warriors faced a big test during rounds 13 and 14: back-to-back clashes with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters, their NRL East conference rivals. They lost both: the first defeat was comprehensive; the second was heartbreaking. However, the Warriors are still two points behind the Roosters and Rabbitohs and are building form at the right time of the season. Whether failing in their two conference clashes so far will prove to be the difference at the end of the season is yet to be determined.

Q: Have the Sharks begun to circle?

After a lacklustre start to the season, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks have recovered nicely. Three wins in a row have elevated them to equal second on the NRL South conference table alongside the Storm. It’s a fantastic way to enter arguably the toughest month of footy of their season: the old grudge match against Manly will be more competitive than one might think; back-to-back conference clashes against the Dragons and Raiders will be another level; and finally, they will face the Bulldogs at Belmore. A successful navigation of the next four rounds will place them in a prime position to challenge for the conference title.

Q: How much will the loss of Josh McGuire affect the Broncos?

The form of front rower Josh McGuire has played a significant role in the dominance of the Broncos this season. His leadership in the forwards has helped lay the platform for his team to lead the NRL North conference, and the Samoan international was duly rewarded with selection in the Queensland State of Origin side. But after rupturing his achilles tendon against NRL North conference rivals the Newcastle Knights in round 16, his absence in the Broncos lineup will cause a massive impact. Unless the rest of his forward pack can step in and fill the breach left behind by McGuire, it may see them fall from the top of the conference table.