The most successful conference this decade looks set to dominate the NRL for another season.

The teams of the NRL East have claimed four of the last eight premierships and, on paper, the chances are strong they may claim a fifth in 2019.

Unlike the NRL South, where the Melbourne Storm have won eight consecutive conference titles, all four of the NRL East’s teams have been crowned conference champions since 2011. While the Sea Eagles have tapered off in recent years, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters are powerhouses, and the New Zealand Warriors are on the rise.

The Rabbitohs have a new element to their season with the signing of coach Wayne Bennett. Bennett has a legacy of guiding sides to reach their full potential, and with Souths falling one match short of the grand final in 2018, the question is whether he can replicate this at his new club. The Bunnies’ bounce diminished when it mattered most last year; this will need to change if they have any hope of winning the conference.

The return of coach Des Hasler adds an element of resurrection to a Sea Eagles club who have fallen off in form since 2014. They will need to overcome a lack of depth and a porous defensive record from last season if they are to challenge their conference rivals.

It would be easy to write the Warriors off after releasing star halfback Shaun Johnson, but the true linchpin of their resurgence in 2018 and reentry to the finals was five-eighth Blake Green. The Warriors will be keen to build on last year’s improved performance – and with the majority of their squad retained for 2019 there is a strong likelihood they will achieve that.

However, it’s hard to overlook the defending premiers as the team to beat. The Roosters’ defence is the cornerstone of their sustained success. If they are to be the first team to win back-to-back titles in the NRL era, they will need to take their offence up another gear. They’re now the competition benchmark, with every team in the competition aiming to knock the Roosters off their perch.

Ultimately, the NRL East remains the most powerful and competitive conference in the league. Don’t be surprised if all four teams are still playing football in September.

Predicted conference champions: Rabbitohs

Predicted surprise performers: Sea Eagles