Closest season in 20 years
Good lucky picking a winner this year.
As it currently stands just four points separate first and eighth on the NRL ladder - you have to go back to 1999 for the last time it was that close after 18 games.
With such a tight competition there is little margin for error.
"It has been that sort of competition, it has ebbed and flowed, teams have ebbed and flowed and I don't think there has been any standout teams," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said.
"It has been a topsy turvy season for everyone and there will be a few more twists and turns before the season finishes."
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 20 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
10th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm sit at the top but remain locked on points with the Dragons and Rabbitohs.
After an indifferent start to the season that resulted in a modest 6-5 record after 11 rounds, Melbourne have steadied the ship with seven consecutive wins around the State of Origin period.
It is a strong position to be in yet the coach is not getting ahead of himself.
"I am probably as surprised as anyone whether we deserve to be up there," Bellamy said.
"We are very happy with where we are at the moment. We did a very good job during Origin, while we didn't execute that great with certain parts of the game, our effort was always right up there - that is the main reason why we are, where we are at the moment."
Storm take on the Canberra Raiders on Saturday night at AAMI Park.
