Canterbury Bulldogs star James Graham in action. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
YOU don't need to be Nostradamus to predict that Souths, the Roosters, Melbourne and Manly are all going to play finals football this season. They will.
However, with time running out, the seer would be of some assistance in helping determine which other clubs will join them in finishing in the top half of the ladder.
It seems that seven is the operative number in that we have that many rounds left until the playoffs and there are that many "live" chances to join the current top four.
Those on 16 points or less will win games between now and the end of the season but not enough to bridge the leeway that has been established.
That leaves Newcastle, Canterbury, Cronulla, Canberra, Penrith, the Gold Coast and the Warriors to scrap it out for the remaining spots and while I didn't excel when it came to maths at school, I did learn that seven into four doesn't go.
Each side is close enough if good enough and contains any number of players capable of making the difference.
With that in mind I thought I'd run my rule over the line-ups and make my own prediction as to which individuals will go a long way in influencing their team's prospects. They are not necessarily the most obvious.
With Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Jeremy Smith and Craig Gower in their line-up, the Knights boast a wealth of experience and players who know what it takes to win a premiership.
Their young players would be receiving valuable tuition from this quartet but in the run home I think it will be tough back-rower Jeremy Smith who provides the greatest direction.
Every successful team needs an uncompromising and rugged individual whose style of play leads by example and in Smith they have the ideal character who knows how to get the job done. His record shows he is a winner, with ultimate success at Melbourne in 2007 and St George Illawarra in 2010.
He is a noted defender but underrated when in possession and capable of playing big minutes. I see a bit of Ray Price in Jeremy Smith, which is some compliment.
At the Bulldogs, James Graham fits a similar mould but with a little more finesse.
After missing the first seven weeks through suspension, the big Englishman is fresh and ready to help his side make a mark in the finals.
Canterbury have maintained a similar structure to that which was so successful last year and Graham is a central figure in how the front wave links with the second sweep, allowing Josh Reynolds and Ben Barba to impose themselves.
What is a little different is that he is now being used as a starting player instead of sitting on the bench for the opening 20 minutes and coming on to play the duration.
The more minutes the better as he is a workaholic with a touch of class, which is a rare combination.
In what shapes as the toughest season on record for the Sharks, they will need to be as mentally tough as they are physically.
It is a matter of putting the head down and concentrating on the task at hand and that will suit the unassuming Jeff Robson.
The halfback has never sought headlines and has certainly never carried the high profile of fellow teammates.
However, you can bet if Todd Carney, Luke Lewis and even Paul Gallen have had big games it's because their No.7 has made it easy for them.
The Canberra Raiders can lose their way at times but are still seen as one of the competition's most potent "momentum" teams.
We have become used to the Green Machine storming home late and while that roll hasn't started as yet, it may coincide with the reinstatement of problem child Blake Ferguson.
While comparisons to Greg Inglis are extremely premature and optimistic, that they have been aired is an indication of his raw talent.
His rise to Origin was on the back of blockbusting, athletic performances and if he can address a lack of off-field discipline he has the ability to be the catalyst for a Canberra surge. He also has the ability to take pressure off chief playmaker Terry Campese.
The Raiders have a shortage of outside backs and have lost their aerial advantage that provided plenty of tries.
The return of Ferguson helps in both departments.
The surprise packets continue to be the Panthers despite a host of new personnel and a bad injury run.
One thing that hasn't changed is the importance of Luke Walsh to the team's overall success.
I don't know if it is coincidence but he has played with more energy and freedom since deciding to head overseas next year and the side is definitely benefiting.
Conversely the Titans have hit a wall having won just one of their last five games.
A tiring campaign looks to be taking its toll on young halves Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly, who would no doubt love to see man mountain Dave Taylor provide some explosive input.
The Queensland rep has been a gross disappointment since moving back north, especially when everyone knows how powerful and unstoppable he can be.
Finally, the real smokies of the competition are the Warriors, who appear to have saved their best for last.
They shape as true contenders with their mixture of awesome size and silky skills but getting those to mix has been a constant source of frustration.
New coach Matt Elliott seems to have found the right recipe and has at his disposal any number of world class players.
While Shaun Johnson carries much expectation, I believe it is Feleti Mateo who troubles the opposition most.
He has always been ridiculously good with ball in hand but that was diminished by poor selection as to when to offload.
Not anymore. He has curbed a desire to pass at all costs and is a far tougher proposition to deal with for even the best of defences.
With him leading the way I have no doubt they will grab one of the four remaining spots.
