Three Weeks is a Long Time in Rugby League

Indeed, in the world of Gaw's Rant just three short weeks ago, the Dragons had the minor premiership sewn up, the Cowboys were a finals certainty and Brisbane and Newcastle were gone.

How quickly things change.

St George have lost three in a row to surrender their lead on the minor premiership. Their alarming form slump has come at the worst possible time of the season and a loss this Friday could see them drop to third. North Queensland have fared worse. The Cowboys are now out of contention altogether after losing five of their last six.

In the meantime, the Broncos, who seemed gone for 2009 just three weeks ago, are enjoying a red hot winning streak and could finish as high as fourth if the Storm and Sea Eagles both go down in the final round.

One team I was right about are the Eels. Currently sitting in seventh place, they could also leapfrog Melbourne and Manly into fourth if results go their way. I get the impression however that Parramatta don't really mind if they get the home ground advantage in week one or not. They are brimming with confidence and are ready to take on any team, anywhere.

The race for the NRL premiership has never been more wide open.

St George's misfortunes have seen a resurgent Bulldogs claim top spot on the ladder however a potentially season-ending injury to chief playmaker Brett Kimmorley has the potential to make life difficult for the Blue and Whites.

And indeed the Dragons, whilst having lost three in a row do have the personnel to turn things around at any time. They face a huge game against Parramatta this Friday, the result of which will say much about how September football is going to play out.

With four wins in a row the Gold Coast Titans are well placed to challenge for their first title. A win against Manly at Brookvale this Saturday will do wonders for their finals confidence and could even see them finish in second place if the Dragons go down.

Melbourne have class all over the park despite not having really shifted into top gear yet this season. But if they're ever going to then finals time is when they'll do it.

Manly have booked their finals spot but have much work to do. They have the players to make an impact, having also welcomed fullback Brett Stewart back into their lineup.

The Broncos are one team to watch. At the beginning of the year I said they will be a finals force and I should never have doubted them.

Parramatta are the dark horse. In scintillating form, they will press for a grand final berth from wherever they finish in the eight.

Finally, the Knights have done well to keep in touch with the top eight however even if they win next week and book their place in the finals, I don't think they have the firepower to match it with the best and go all the way. Similarly, Penrith are not out of it yet but anything they've achieved this year is a bonus.

Having said all that, I was just as confident when I made my predictions three weeks ago. It will be interesting in three weeks time to see where I was right and wrong. The great game of Rugby League can be unpredictable sometimes, but that's what makes it such a spectacle.