All teams entered round 18 having played 15 matches. A comparison with their positions on the ladder at this time last year makes for interesting reading.

The Sea Eagles have doubled their positive points differential and I reckon they are a better team in 2008. The experience of losing last year's grand final has them hungry for another shot at the title. They're premiership material.

What a difference a year makes for the Sydney Roosters. They have improved their for-and-against a massive 234 points and moved up 13 places on the ladder. Their attacking game still needs some work. However, if they can remain consistent, a top-four position awaits.

The Sharks have managed to turn some narrow losses in 2007 into some narrow wins in 2008. As a result, they're far better placed on the ladder. But it's interesting to note their points differential has gone slightly backwards. Their strong defence makes them premiership contenders.

The defending premiers, the Melbourne Storm, are not quite up to last year's standard but they are still well in the hunt. The salary cap has punished their success so they don't have the same player depth they once enjoyed. Now the representative season is over, Melbourne can set their sights on defending the trophy. They should make the grand final.

The Dragons appear to have improved tremendously on last year's performances. However, their position on the ladder is somewhat flattered by having had the good fortune of playing the top teams without their best players during the rep season. A top-four position is a realistic goal.

The Broncos are a far better team this season. They've improved by one win and one position but their points differential has dropped slightly. In the run to the finals last year they dropped to eighth and were the first team eliminated. They will do better this year.

The Titans are in a similar position to last year. However, they've looked a far better team. Unfortunately, injuries to key players have hit them hard. In 2007 they dropped out of finals contention to finish 12th. We might see a similar result this season. Bad luck boys, but well played.

The Panthers have registered a healthy improvement. Mind you, last season they were too bad to be true. They have exciting young players and, provided they can find the key to consistency, I see some good seasons in front of them. The team will need to improve to play finals football this year but they're some chance of appearing in the play-offs.

On paper the Eels appear to be only two losses and 75 points worse off than they were last year. The difference is far greater than these figures indicate. This team is performing nowhere near its potential. The Eels need to be told the facts of football life. They have the players to make an impact but they don't have the attitude.

The Tigers have dropped five places on the ladder, even though their stats are fairly similar. I just don't think they have the resolve in defence to trouble the better teams. I absolutely love going to Tigers matches and it would do the game a lot of good if they could again make the finals. They have some work to do, though.

One less win this season. However, their 108-point improvement on for-and-against confirms for me they're a much better team - and improving all the time. In fact, the Knights are one of the teams I really enjoy watching. Maybe not this year, but I see great things ahead for Newcastle.

They're no better. They're no worse. It's Groundhog Day for the Raiders. They're great at home and terrible on the road. They're great in attack and terrible in defence. Mind you, they have not had much luck with injury. No finals football for them this season but should finish higher than last year's 14th.

The Warriors have been a massive disappointment. They've only dropped the one win on last year but just look at the 162 points they've surrendered on for-and-against. They need to get mentally stronger. They have the ability to do much better.

South Sydney finished strongly from this point last season to go on and make the finals. They have again shown definite signs of improvement. However, I want to see them beat a quality team before I'm totally convinced. They are fun to watch, though.

This is the worst I've ever seen the Bulldogs. Their defensive record this season belies the proud history and fighting reputation the club has forged over the past three decades. The Bulldogs need a few days in the house of mirrors. They won't like what they see. Make room for a big wooden spoon in that trophy cabinet.

Last year's high finish was a mirage. They qualified for last year's finals with a negative points differential and that has proved to be a forerunner to this year's poor performance. The Cowboys now sit in last position. They desperately need Neil Henry back at the club - and in a hurry.