The 2025 NRL premiership is wide open, but every contender carries a flaw that could derail their finals dreams.
From injuries to inexperience, no team is without a weakness. The question is which flaws will prove fatal when the pressure intensifies in September.
The Sporting News takes a look at the fatal flaw of every finals contender with six rounds remaining.
MORE: Bellamy pulls the pin after Papenhuyzen's kicking nightmare
Each NRL contender’s fatal flaw heading into the finals
Canberra Raiders
FLAW: Inexperience
The Raiders have completely flipped expectations after they were favoured for the wooden spoon heading into the season.
However, questions remain over their ability to perform when the stakes are the highest.
The bulk of the current roster weren't part of the side's 2019 run to the grand final, with only a handful having featured in the three finals campaigns since.
Veterans like Jamal Fogarty, Josh Papali'i and Joseph Tapine can steady the ship, but they can't carry the load alone.
Melbourne Storm
FLAW: Discipline
The Storm remain one the NRL's most reliable premiership threats, however, their aura has dimmed after an inconsistent regular season.
Bellamy's men built their dynasty on ruthless discipline. This year, uncharacteristic errors, penalties and missed tackles have hurt.
Their superstar spine, which won't have a consistent run to finals courtesy of a Jahrome Hughes shoulder injury, can turn matches.
However, they can't erase structural cracks, so if Melbourne doesn't rediscover their trademark polish, their title hopes could collapse before the big dance.
Canterbury Bulldogs
FLAW: Spine disruption
Lachlan Galvin's mid-season arrival was sold as the transfer that would push the Bulldogs over the top, but it hasn't clicked yet.
The young star's introduction disrupted a spine combination that had led them to the top of the premiership ladder.
With Galvin learning on the fly, their attack has lacked cohesion.
The Dogs' talent is clear, with their round 21 thumping of the Sea Eagles a step in the right direction.
But if their timing is slightly off in September, that could be enough to knock them out of the finals race.
New Zealand Warriors
FLAW: Injuries
The Warriors' chance at a premiership has been rocked by two cruel blows.
Mitchell Barnett and Luke Metcalf both suffered ACL injuries earlier in the season, which is proving to be a steep challenge to overcome.
Barnett's toughness and leadership through the middle, as well as Metcalf's pace and spark in attack are sorely missed.
The strength of their lower grades provides Warriors fans with some hope, however, they will have to thread a tiny needle if they are to lift the Provan-Summons on the final Sunday of the season.
Penrith Panthers
FLAW: History
Penrith's dynasty faces a unique challenge as they will likely enter the finals sitting outside the top-four.
History shows that no club has ever won the title from outside the top-four in 27 NRL seasons.
If the Panthers win out from here, they would have to rely on the Warriors to drop three out of their last six; or the Bulldogs to lose five of their last six.
Ivan Cleary has had his side humming over the last seven rounds, but if they are unable to track down the Warriors or Bulldogs to claim fourth position before finals, the path to a five-peat will be gruelling.
Brisbane Broncos
FLAW: Misfiring stars
Brisbane has no shortage of weapons. Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam can tear games apart individually.
The issue for Michael Maguire is that the stars on his roster rarely peak together.
Too often, one star shines while others go quiet, leaving the Broncos short of their full potential.
If all the guns at Red Hill can align in time for finals, they will be nearly impossible to beat.
Cronulla Sharks
FLAW: Killer instinct
Cronulla boasts one of the most talented rosters on paper in the NRL. Yet, when games tighten, they lack the killer instinct to finish off their opponents.
Since round ten, they have one victory by 13 points or more, despite facing several teams that won't be a factor in September.
Without a killer edge, the Sharks risk being bullied out of finals yet again.
Dolphins
FLAW: Leadership void
The Dolphins seem to be most footy fans' second team.
A fairy-tale run to the grand final would be a great story, however injuries to seasoned leaders will prove too much to overcome in crunch time.
With key veterans Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) sidelined, their leadership group looks thin.
Kristian Woolf is relying on stars like Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who haven't proven they can get the job done when the season is on the line.
Their attack will keep them interesting, but without those steadying hands, the Dolphins campaign is extremely fragile.
Manly Sea Eagles
FLAW: Inconsistency
On their day, Manly's talent is undeniable. Tom Trbojevic, Tolutau Koula and Daly Cherry-Evans are devastating attacking weapons.
The problem is that they rarely sustain peak form for weeks straight.
A brilliant performance is often followed by an inexplicable blowout.
To threaten deep into the finals, they'll need four flawless games in a row which is a big ask given their track record this season.
Sydney Roosters
FLAW: Halves cohesion
The Roosters' hopes rest on a young, unsettled halves rotation.
Sam Walker, Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith have rotated in-and-out all year.
Talent isn't the issue - cohesion is. Without a clear vision for how their six and seven will work in tandem, their attack loses rhythm.
Trent Robinson faces an uphill battle in getting all of his young players on the same page in just six-weeks before finals begin - if they're to make it that far.