KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - The Melbourne Storm obviously weren't big fans of Kiwi rockers Split Enz because they're making a mockery of their 1980s classic History Never Repeats.
Just as they did last season, the Storm have romped through the opening half of the NRL season.
And as in 2006, their dominance shows no sign of abating.
Driven by the pain that only a grand final loss can deliver, Melbourne are odds-on favourites to ensure a happier ending in 2007 after being pipped by the Broncos last year.
But there are no shortage of challengers out there ready to spoil the party.
Such is the tightness of the competition at the halfway point of the season that now even the Sydney Roosters can't be discounted with the cellar-dwellers finding themselves just four points behind fifth placed Cronulla.
Melbourne
Current: 1st (22 points)
Predicted finish: 1st (42 points)
The scariest thing for other teams is that the Storm have lost only two games and are yet to play anything like their best football. Greg Inglis continues to struggle at five-eighth but it hardly seems to matter. Cameron Smith continues to rival Johnathan Thurston as the hottest player in the NRL.
Manly
Current: 2nd (22 points)
Predicted finish: 2nd (42 points)
Ben who? The Sea Eagles haven't missed a beat following the retirement of inspirational leader Ben Kennedy. Matt Orford looks like he's finding his groove after an injury-plagued start and, with the best defence in the league, Manly loom as the team most likely to challenge the Storm.
Wests Tigers
Current: 3rd (16 points)
Predicted finish: 4th (32 points)
No Benji -- no worries. The Tigers are using a more team-oriented approach and it is paying great dividends. Robbie Farah has been a star and with Marshall due back from a shoulder injury for the run-in to the finals, the 2005 champions could be the sleepers.
North Queensland
Current: 4th (16 points)
Predicted finish: 3rd (34 points)
Continue to struggle when without Johnathan Thurston, but that shouldn't be a problem anymore because the Cowboys skipper won't miss any more games due to Origin commitments.
Cronulla
Current: 5th (14 points)
Predicted finish: 5th (30 points)
Most thought the Sharks would be better under Ricky Stuart - but did anyone outside the Shire think they'd be this good. If their attack can click the Sharks have the defence to do some damage in the finals. Stuart has brought out the best in tough backrowers Paul Gallen and Greg Bird.
Parramatta
Current: 6th (14 points)
Predicted finish: 6th (28 points)
They follow a smash up of the in-form Tigers by conceding 24 points in the opening 12 minutes to Canberra. What is going on at the Eels? With the likes of Burt, Tahu, Hayne and Grothe they have a side capable of posting points in a hurry.
Gold Coast
Current: 7th (14 points)
Predicted finish: 10th (22 points)
Have been better than most expected but their thin roster could be a concern over the back half. Have to keep Scott Prince and Luke Bailey on the field to be any shot at the finals.
Canberra
Current: 8th (14 points)
Predicted finish: 11th (22 points)
Pre-season wooden spoon favourites are in the top eight at the halfway mark under new coach Neil Henry. The suspension of Todd Carney doesn't seem to have upset their rhythm and if they can continue to win at home, they may just sneak into the eight.
Newcastle
Current: 9th (14 points)
Predicted finish: 12th (20 points)
The Knights' prospects with the development of their 'halves combination of the future' Luke Walsh and Jarrod Mullen. Mullen's injury issues continue to be a concern, but if he can stay on the paddock Newcastle could be dangerous despite difficult transition from the Joey Johns era.
South Sydney
Current: 10th (12 points)
Predicted finish: 13th (20 points)
Who kidnapped the Bunnies side which won the opening three games of the season? Souths looked headed for the finals but things have gone downhill from the time co-captain David Kidwell was ruled out for the season. Have won respect for newfound steel in defence but lacking in attacking spark.
Bulldogs
Current: 11th (12 points)
Predicted finish: 7th (28 points)
The underachievers of the season but plenty of sides are still looking over their shoulder waiting for the Bulldogs to come good. Too much class to continue struggling if they can regain their focus and the bite in their big name pack.
Brisbane
Current: 12th (10 points)
Predicted finish: 8th (24 points)
What is it they say - don't write off a champion? The Broncos are suffering from a premiership hangover but as they showed in flogging Newcastle 71-6, they're are capable of just about anything on their day. Watch for Lockyer to lead another late season surge.
Warriors
Current: 13th (10 points)
Predicted finish: 15th (18 points)
Traditionally up and down, the Warriors are now showing consistency but unfortunately it's in the form of a six-game losing streak. They need to rediscover the art of winning tight games.
Penrith
Current: 14th (10 points)
Predicted finish: 9th (24 points)
Beat Manly to suggest they were genuine top eight contenders. Then failed to score a try against Souths, showing exactly why they probably won't make it. Appear to be still struggling to adapt to new coach Matt Elliott's more structured style.
St George Illawarra
Current: 15th (10 points)
Predicted finish: 14th (18 points)
Their season was a write-off right from the time Mark Gasnier reeled out a pre-season tackle clutching at his torn pectoral muscle. Things haven't got any better since, and the injury list has grown. Have used more players than any other club.
Sydney Roosters
Current: 16th (10 points)
Predicted finish: 16th (14 points)
Centenary celebrations haven't quite gone according to plan. May be only four points out of fifth spot but in reality the finals seem well out of reach for the struggling Roosters. Will find it harder without injured Minichiello and Anasta for a month.
- AAP
