Defence won’t win the 2021 premiership

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The 2021 NRL season has brought with it a raft of new rules to speed the game up, and on the back of that, point-scoring totals like we have never seen before.

The Melbourne Storm, for example, have gone past 40 on 11 occasions at over 37 points per game, while all other clubs in the top six are going at over 26 points per game. It's fairly common knowledge amongst NRL fans that teams below the top six are fighting for spots to make up the numbers come finals time.

For reference, the 2019 season, which was the last to be played without the six again rule, saw the minor premiers average just 26.2 points per game, and teams in the top eight averaging as low as 20 points per game.

That all being said, the conventional "defence wins premierships" saving has gone flying out the back window along with conventional rugby league textbooks. It's now all about scoring, and you can find some serious value on NRL premiership winners with a ladbrokes referral code.

Can anyone out of the top six stop the Storm and Panthers from clashing in their second-straight grand final? Let's find out.

Melbourne Storm
As mentioned, the Storm are ticking along at a ridiculous 37 points per game. They have gone past 40 11 times, and have shown no signs of slowing down with 13 straight victories under their belt heading into Round 19. 

That's been with players injured in their spine, although Ryan Papenhuyzen is finally due to make a return. The Storm are oh-so dangerous and will be near impossible to stop come finals time.

Penrith Panthers
The Panthers came so close last season, but fell short in the grand final. Their form has fallen away fractionally, but star halves pairing Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will both be back on deck before the finals.

The duo have a staggering amount of try involvements for Penrith this year, while also guiding the Blues to a State of Origin series victory before their injuries. Ivan Cleary's side are a well-oiled machine, with Brian To'o the competition's best winger and Apisai Koroisau providing plenty. They may not have the same numbers as Melbourne, but they have gone past 30 on eight occasions.

South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs are technically out of premiership contention under the "conceding 50 points rule", but you couldn't write a team off with Alex Johnston, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds. 

Johnston in particular has been astounding, breaking all sorts of try-scoring records, including running up 15 in 6 weeks before recently being injured. He will be back for the finals, and in a shootout, you'd be brave to back against Wayne Bennett's side.

Parramatta Eels
Parramatta only average slightly less per game in terms of points scored than the Panthers which puts them in a good position, however, their reliance on Clint Gutherson is astronomical, with the star fullback adding 12 tries and 15 assists in his 17 appearances for the club.

They have the attacking might, but the wheels regularly seem to fall off in big games, and the blue and gold may well be the odd one out in the top six.

Sydney Roosters
The Roosters have the worst attacking record in the top six, but that is still 26 points per game. They have shown they have the might to find the tryline, even without so many injured stars. 

With James Tedesco in the side, Victor Radley back from suspension again, and Sam Walker finding his feet more and more in first grade with every passing week, the Roosters are another side under the masterful coaching of Trent Robinson who could make a splash.

Manly Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles are all about Tom Trbojevic. One of the game's best players, the New South Wales representative has been involved in seven out of nine victories in games he has played so far this year. Manly have won just three of the eight he hasn't played, and it's not hard to see why. 14 tries, 16 try assists, 44 tackle busts, 13 line breaks in 9 games. It is ridiculous, with Manly accelerating ahead of the Eels and Roosters in terms of points per game.

More concerningly for their opposition, they average more points per game than Melbourne with Trbojevic in the side. Premiership dark horse? You'd be brave to write them off.