For every side that has underachieved in 2017, there is a side who has taken their place. The likes of the Panthers and the Raiders have really failed to live up to the incredible hype, allowing other teams to step up and fill the places in the eight they were expected to occupy.

Sides that underperformed last year are obviously at an advantage here, but the below are the four sides I believe have played out of their skin so far and can be very, very proud of their efforts.

The rankings take into account pre-season expectation, last season's results, balanced against the current ladder and form. As usual, this is completely objective.

4. Eels

I wouldn't refer to the Eels as surprise packets, but the Eels are certainly flying a little higher than I expected. On the back of their incredible fullback turn half turn centre turn heartthrob Clint Gutherson, the Eels are sitting very comfortably in the eight.

Corey Norman is capable of breathing fire and has made those around his look far more dangerous as a result. Jennings and Radradra have re-found their try-scoring abilities on the back of some beautifully laid foundations by the big men, especially Nathan Brown.

They're only four points outside the top four and four points within the eight. If they continue to play good footy, they're finals bound, which will be a huge positive for a team starved of September football in recent times.

If the Eels can get their defence in order, they can really test some sides further up the table. Honestly, I saw the Eels struggling to make the eight this season, but they look set for a return to the finals. Can't say I'm saddened by this due to the way Parra score their points.

3. Roosters

I don't think it's a huge surprise to anyone that the Roosters currently sit inside the top four, but based on their dire 2016 season, they have improved out of sight. Mainly on the back of key signings Michael Gordon and Luke Keary, the tri-colours are a completely different side this season.

The Roosters big men are far more dominant than they were last year which has allowed the likes of Pearce and Keary to run riot. At times the Roosters have been amazing fun to watch. Michael Gordon has turned the clock back and looks in his mid-twenties again.

They sit on 24 points, just four behind competition leaders the Storm, and on equal points with fellow top four members Manly and Cronulla, and have a bye in hand over the Sea Eagles. They're in good company.

It's pretty much guaranteed that they will return to finals footy following last season's horror run, and they look in a great position to solidify a top four spot over the coming month or two. A brilliant turn around.

2. Dragons

Although they've fallen away over the past few weeks, the Dragons have shocked the majority of NRL pundits by playing well above themselves over the opening 17 rounds Gareth Widdop has turned back the clock and is playing better than even his Melbourne days.

Paul Vaughan is my choice for the signing of the year and should be playing Origin footy. His form has been immense and he has led the way in the famous Red V jersey. Frizell, Packer and Thompson have certainly gone with him, while Cam McInnes has seemingly grown an extra set of arms and has become a machine.

Tim Lafai has become a weapon out wide, cutting teams to shreds. Simply out, Paul McGregor has got them firing on all fronts and they look a completely different side from last year.

They've remembered how to score points after frustrating fans to tears in 2016, as shown by their +56 points differential. They're set for a finals tilt, and although I can't see them worrying the big four or five just yet, they've shown they are capable.

1. Sea Eagles

No team has turned around their fortunes in the past 17 rounds more than the Manly Sea Eagles. Last season they were dire. Awful. They were a parody of the recent Manly teams that have terrorised the rest of the competition for the past decade. It was awesome.

Fast forward to round 18, and Manly sit comfortably in the top four, and look as though they may even have another gear to lift.

On the back of their stars, the Trbjoevic brothers, a fired up DCE, and Marty Taupau, Manly is a completely different proposition in 2017. Their perfect 6-0 record away from home has been the basis of their charge so far and has seen them tear sides apart away from Lottoland.

Trent Barrett has done a wonderful job after two years of aggressive recruitment, and now has a title charge to look forward to. They are reaping the rewards of sticking with their coach and letting him work out his plan long term. A few other clubs could learn a lesson here.

Comments are closed.