We have seen some amazing football played over the opening 14 rounds of the 2018 competition. Tipsters and those tasked with predictions are going grey after upsets became the norm, the Origin shield has returned to south of the tweed, and a new NRL megastar has arrived.
We take a look at just a few of the highlights to date. Please let us know your rugby league highlight in the comments.
Tigers Revival: What a difference one off-season, and aggressive recruitment drive, can make. The Tigers were never realistic top eight contenders in 2017 and were resigned to losing three of their four biggest stars. Ivan Cleary has completely turned the club around during his tenure and it has been a pleasure to watch.
He effectively used Aaron Woods' salary to create a new starting prop combination. He looked to inject heart, passion and intensity by signing Josh Reynolds. Throw in some bargain buys like the returning Benji Marshall and Mahe Fonua and the Tigers are a completely different side.
They lead our NRL Power Rankings at one stage and even the competition, at least jointly, if memory serves me correctly. Although they have come back to the field and are in a real struggle to play finals footy, the additions of Robbie Farah and Moses Mbye should give them a near immediate lift.
NSW Origin Win: As a born and raised resident of New South Wales (cough, Greg Inglis) it was incredible to see the famous shield finally return to the blue state. More than the result though has been the way Brad Fittler and his coaching team have gone about restoring pride and passion to the jumper.
No doubt in the world those tasked with representing the state played with everything they had in previous years but Fittler has a group of young superstars playing as a team. They play for each other and most importantly they play for the jumper and its fans.
I'm still shocked that a Blues coach and his selectors picked on form. Who would have known picking talented and in form players would get the job done? It looks as though the Blues have finally learned their lessons. Although talk of a dynasty being built is very premature, the large majority of the squad is made up of young players with plenty of Origin in their future.
Damien Cook: It's tough to single out one player but in Damien Cook we have seen a true star emerge. Although I'd argue youngster Kalyn Ponga is the new NRL poster boy, Cook is the best player in the competition right now. He has helped completely transform the Bunnies from possible finals fodder to genuine title contenders.
Not only that but his efforts for the Blues went a long way to ensuring a series win. Most hookers these days are either tackle machines or attacking weapons. Cook is a rare combination of both. Add to that an experienced head and some seriousness toughness and he is still my pick for the Dally M medal.
Signings Fire: Ponga, Maloney, Harris, Green, Hunt. That's just off the top of my head with zero thought. All big name signings, all exceeding expectations at their new clubs. Ponga is without a doubt the biggest rising star in the competition right now and not since the early Thurston-Cowboys days have I seen such hype.
James Maloney has helped turn the Panthers into a far more efficient side. He has worked hard on his defence and seems to have put the penalties aside and looks a much better player. Tohu Harris and Blake Green have had a huge effect on the Warriors. Both players go about their roles with zero fuss which allows the likes of Johnson to focus on tearing sides apart.
Ben Hunt, for all the ridicule he copped for his Origin performance, has had a monster hand in taking the Dragons to the top of the table. He has been in peak form and has all the skills to take the Red V deep into the finals. Other signings like Matt Moylan started slow but are really starting to find their feet.
Ridiculous Wingers: Why do we even bother sending decisions to the bunker any more? You know the winger has scored. That's of course a hyperbolic statement but some of the amazing efforts this season have to be seen to be believed. Corey Oates' match-winning try in the Shire is a top three all time finish.
Not only do wingers score insane tries they are also becoming increasingly important in getting sets going from their own end of the park. Blake Ferguson is helping to redefine how wingers play. He has become an extra forward at times for the Roosters and in a side that contains names like Tedesco and Cronk, has arguably been their best player.
Warriors regain their flair: This is a personal favourite of mine. I love watching the Warriors play football. Shaun Johnson is the most exciting player in the competition on his day, bar none. I dare anyone to say they don't love watching the Fus create havoc down his edge. RTS shows dazzling footwork that my kids try to emulate in the park.
Stephen Kearney has completely unlocked the potential within this incredible side. I didn't think he could. I had them finishing last, and confidently so. Surely Blake Green and Tohu Harris couldn't turn it all around. Oh how wrong I was.
The Warriors look fitter than ever, faster than ever and more confident than ever. That rests on the shoulders of Kearney and his staff. I hope they continue to blow sides away as the competition heats up. Brilliant stuff.
