Unless we see some major upsets in the next two months, it appears that the top eight is almost set for the NRL.
But, don't be too despondent rugby league fans, because upsets are exactly what we got in round 16.
The Manly Sea Eagles beat Penrith at Panthers Stadium. No, really.
It was the Sea Eagles' first victory since May 19th, and just their fifth for the entire season.
MORE: The NRL Lurker's Dally M votes: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the surprise darkhorse, again
Two Manly forwards appear in Sporting News' team of the week, as do a few Red V members following their lazy victory over the Eels.
The question is: did we get it right?
Read on below to see the team of the week for round 16.
1. MATT DUFTY (ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS)
Matt Dufty is just 22-years-old, let that sink in St George-Illawarra Dragons fans.
The youngster scored a splendid brace against the Parramatta Eels, dragging them over the line against Parramatta.
2. NICK COTRIC (CANBERRA RAIDERS)
This kid is a future Origin superstar, it's only a matter of time.
In a loss against the Brisbane Broncos, the 19-year-old still managed to cross the chalk, rack up 150 metres and break eight tackles.
3. KERROD HOLLAND (CANTERBURY BULLDOGS)
In the Bulldogs' surprising 20-point thrashing of the Knights in round 16, Holland crossed for a double.
The 25-year-old ran over 100 metres and broke three tackles in his brilliant performance.
4. EUAN AITKEN (ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS)
Aitken is almost the forgotten man in the NRL. Everyone in the rugby league community talked up the Red V centre at the start of the year, but when overlooked for Origin, we all seemed to forget how well he could play.
On the weekend, he reminded us.
5. JAMAYNE ISAAKO (BRISBANE BRONCOS)
The Broncos rising star seems to be getting better and better every week, a scary thought for the rest of the competition.
Against the Raiders, Isaako broke two tackles and ran over 120 metres.
6. ANTHONY MILFORD (BRISBANE BRONCOS)
Welcome back to form Mr Milford.
The recently dropped Maroons player controlled the match expertly against the Raiders, having two try assists in the tight victory.
7. ADAM REYNOLDS (SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS)
Despite Inglis' injury, Rabbitohs fans have many reasons to smile.
Not only did they win a classic fixture against the North Queensland Cowboys, but Reynolds kicked the field-goal that got them over the line. Cracking game for the playmaker.
8. RYAN JAMES (GOLD COAST TITANS)
Ryan James again missed out on a Blues jersey for game three, but showcased his immense ability during the Titans' big win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
Not only did James score a try, but he also ran just under 150 metres and made 33 tackles.
9. CAMERON SMITH (MELBOURNE STORM)
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Cameron Smith kicked a clutch field-goal to win the low-scoring match against the Sydney Roosters, and former teammate Cooper Cronk, at Adelaide Oval in round 16.
10. DAVID KLEMMER (CANTERBURY BULLDOGS)
Klemmer is very quickly building a reputation as being one of the NRL's most dependable forwards.
In the big win over the Knights, the prop made 200 metres, broke five tackles and had four offloads.
11. ANGUS CRICHTON (SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS)
The Sydney Roosters must be licking their lips at the prospect of having Crichton run out in a Tricolours jersey in 2019.
In another breathtaking display against the Cowboys, the NSW forward broke four tackles, made over 100 metres, and made 35 tackles on his own.
12. JOEL THOMPSON (MANLY SEA EAGLES)
Joel Thompson had a quiet start to his career at the Sea Eagles, but in the last month or so the veteran has begun to show his worth.
In a great display in his side's shock win over the Penrith Panthers, Thompson broke five tackles, scored a try and made 27 of his own tackles without missing any.
13. JAKE TRBOJEVIC (MANLY SEA EAGLES)
Jake Trbojevic is all class, NSW fans now realise that.
The beloved Sea Eagles vice-captain was arguably best on ground for Manly against Penrith, he ran for 135 metres and made 33 tackles.
