Like many I watched the Dolphins win against an understrength Raiders team on Sunday and thought wow, what might have been.
But the romance of it all has been divorced now and if it really works it will start to come through this weekend.
The Raiders, as Minor Premiers, thoroughly deserve their favouritism position in the eyes of many, and others will still believe the Bulldogs will stand up when it counts.
As much as I try and look at it dispassionately, I think the Broncos have what it takes. When they are on song, they are simply brilliant.
I know the Storm have demonstrated for a long time they have what it takes when the whips are cracking, and Craig Bellamy their coach certainly has the credentials to back this theory up.
But Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has developed something special and although all eyes are on the players, I think Ricky stands alone at the moment as these top eight teams prepare to put it all on the line.
The Roosters are sneaking up, to add another potential championship season to their cabinet, and their coach Trent Robinson has plenty of support.
But when talking of finals, how can you possibly ignore the Panthers. They have the coach, the players and maybe more importantly, the footy IQ.
The Warriors will struggle on Saturday against this club who have demonstrated exactly what it takes to build a winning culture.
New Zealand could well be the best breeding ground of ideal players for the NRL, but maybe the Warriors have not come to grips with this yet.
I will be surprised if they can get through.
And as I mentioned in this column last week, the Sharks could be the smokeys.
