On Friday night, these two impeccably coached teams produced another high-intensity encounter. The Storm were disciplined and gutsy to win the second half 2-0, which was enough to win the game.

Injuries and player health need to be taken into consideration but, all things being equal, none of the other 14 teams can play at this level.

The Roosters defended stoutly and had a couple of late chances to snatch a match-winning try. However, their attacking game just wasn’t at its best and they just couldn't convert pressure into points.

With five-eighth Luke Keary and front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to return shortly, I believe the Roosters will find the necessary improvement to turn the tables come September.

Put it this way, the Roosters have more improvement in them than the Storm.

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Injuries and player health obviously need to be taken into consideration but, all things being equal, none of the other 14 NRL teams can play at this level.  As for the rest of the teams . . .

Raiders

I think Canberra are potentially the third-best team in the competition. Their improved fitness and work ethic have been impressive. Despite the loss of key centre Joseph Leilua, the Raiders are the team most likely to trouble the top two. English international forward John Bateman ranks as one of the buys of the season. His countrymen have added a new level of steel and resilience to this team. Jack Wighton’s move to five-eighth has been a master stroke. There is a good feel about the Raiders this year. Something good is happening down there.

Sharks

I think most people see the potential in this Sharks team, which is why many have them listed as the competition’s dark horse. They have kept on the pace of a finals berth all year, despite the fact they have had several of their top players unavailable through injury for extended periods. They are almost back to full strength now, so the coming weeks will give us a guide to their premiership aspirations. They are not a team that values consistent quality and intensity. However, they have the ability to knuckle down and win the games that count.

Rabbitohs

Souths secured a lofty position on the premiership ladder courtesy of some good football and a soft draw. They are a good team, but the jury is still out until they prove they can beat a few of the higher-ranked sides. They have now lost four matches in a row. Their discipline has been an issue. They need to improve that part of their game if they hope to arrest this slide. I never really rated them a premiership chance before the start of the season, but the old coach Wayne Bennett certainly got them up and running early. It remains to be seen if they can finish it off.

Knights

This could go either way. I still think they are a couple of players short of a guaranteed finals line-up. They got everyone’s attention when they flogged the Roosters and Rabbitohs in consecutive weeks to bring up a six-game winning streak. Then they got smashed 34-4 by the Storm to bring them crashing back to earth. Their next month of football is crucial. I think they will make the top eight.

Sea Eagles

Des Hasler is a marvel. So competitive. Manly's best 13 is actually a good quality football team. Their problem is that they rarely get their top 13 on the field at the same time. If they do, they can definitely play finals football. Any team with Daly Cherry-Evans and the Trbojevic brothers must be respected.

Wests Tigers

Here is another team punching above its weight. They have put forward some quality performances. They then put in a wobbly one and dent your confidence in tipping them. New coach Michael Maguire has them super fit. Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall are wheeling them around nicely. I never tipped them as top-eight contenders, but they are in with a chance. Their draw doesn’t look too bad.

Eels

They like playing with the ball. They are not so effective without it. They win big. They lose big. They can beat the top teams. They can lose to the bottom teams. It’s all just too inconsistent for me. Their draw is favourable, though. If they can get serious about their defensive resolve, they are some chance of playing finals football. I’m leaving them out though.

Dragons

They had a timely win over the Cowboys on Friday night to keep them in touch with the top eight. In the run to the finals they do play my top five rated teams. If they can beat them, they will thoroughly deserve their finals berth. It’s a tough road, though. I think they are much better than they are playing.

Broncos

Very disappointing. I rated the Broncos very highly. There is too big a difference between their best and their worst. Similarly, there is a huge difference between the form they show at home and the rubbish they produce on the road. I know it’s essentially a young side, but they have enough experienced players to be more consistent. I’m fast losing faith in their finals chances.

Warriors

Just when you think they’ve turned the corner and it’s safe to tip them, they throw in a performance that shatters your confidence. I’d really love to see the Warriors doing well. It’s important for our game. I just don’t see it from them at the moment.  They play most of the top eight contenders between now and September. I think they need it easier than that. I don’t see finals this season.

Cowboys

No finals for them. Not a bad roster, but they look tired and out of sorts. They play the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sharks in their next three games. That will kill off their 2019 campaign.

Titans

This is a better team than their results show. I don’t mind their roster. From a distance, however, it looks like they have leadership issues. They don’t play with any resilience. Already looking towards 2020.

Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have been looking towards 2021 since halfway through last season. I think this group is actually trying pretty hard each and every week. They just aren’t good enough. Their football isn’t convincing. Their defence is inconsistent. When you are constantly planning and speculating about your future roster, it’s hard for the current crop to stay focused. As sure as the sun rising each day, the Dogs will rise again. Might take a couple of years though.

Of course, I never talk about the Panthers.

In conclusion, the Roosters will beat the Storm in the grand final. The Raiders and Sharks will be around the money.  The Dogs will collect the dreaded spoon.