The 2014 NRL season kicks off in just over a week's time with the game at an all-time high on the back of a highly successful Rugby League World Cup and the NRL's own inaugural Auckland Nines which really wiped the New Zealand Rugby Union's bum especially in the wake of a Wellington Sevens event marred by drunken behaviour.
Then of course, there's the millions in the pockets of the ARL from their television deal with Fox which means more coverage of games than ever before - even those of slightly deluded mind, say that the NRL is very much up there with the English Premier League. It certainly is punching its weight with Aussie Rules and well ahead of Super Rugby in Australia.
There's no point really comparing team by team in what is essentially the world's most competitive regular season competition outside the USA as the salary cap means that teams who won the wooden spoon often end up in the NRL Grand Finals.
That's what Parramatta fans are hoping this season although that may very well stay as hope with coach Ricky Stuart walking out to join the Canberra Raiders.
Expect the likes of the reigning premiers, Sydney Roosters to be up there again - buoyed by the re-signing of Sonny Bill Williams in the off-season for another season before he returns to rugby union to try and play for the All Blacks in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Roosters thrilled in their run to lifting the Premiership last October and the next challenge for last year's rookie coach, Trent Robinson is to make it 2 in a row.
Their closest rivals should be their most bitter rivals from South Sydney with the Rabbitohs determined to make up for the disappointment of falling at the penultimate hurdle to the Manly Sea Eagles in last year's semifinals. The Bunnies definitely have one of the better packs in the comp and like the Roosters, will continue to thrill, but really do need to make good Russell Crowe's investment in the club - it's nearly 8 years since Crowe took over.
Beyond them, apart from the Melbourne Storm, it's difficult to say and will come down to momentum at the end of the season. I think Cronulla and Manly should be thereabouts and I tip the Cowboys and Newcastle to possibly squeak in.
What about the Warriors? Well you'll have to stay tuned here but in a nutshell, I think they might have a very good season and making the playoffs is a minimum - the signing of Sam Tomkins could be a great one if he stays healthy throughout the season and compliments Shaun Johnson.
My tip for the NRL Grand Final? South Sydney Rabbitohs to beat Sydney Roosters.
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