MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and James Tedesco in hunt for title with all teams ranked

Forget the Olympic Games in Paris – the real sprint is about to take place right here under your noses.

With State of Origin done for another year (go you Blues!), our focus turns to the NRL finals race.

There are some champion runners in a hot field, with just a few stragglers bringing up the rear.

I’ve split them all into Olympic-based categories to help you assess their premiership chances.

GOLD – THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN WIN IT

MELBOURNE STORM (1ST)

Came up against a red-hot Roosters side on the weekend and won comfortably. Craig Bellamy is an incredible coach and they’re about to get Cameron Munster back from injury for the run home. I’ll give you a little tip – Jahrome Hughes will win the Dally M Medal.

PENRITH PANTHERS (2ND)

The depth at that place is staggering and to be running second when Nathan Cleary has missed most of the season blows me away. And what about his comeback on the weekend after two months out – a match-winning golden point two-point field goal if you don’t mind! A huge chance to win four straight premierships.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (4TH)

Don’t overlook the “farewell factor” with the Chooks. At the end of the season, they wave farewell to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary and Joey Manu – all premiership-winners. Sending these proud Roosters out on the right note will be a huge motivating factor.

MANLY SEA EAGLES (5TH)

Did you see Tom Trbojevic on the weekend? That will have other teams knocking at the knees. Turbo takes this team to another level and right now they have momentum on their side. The Sea Eagles have turned Four Pines Park into Fortress Brookvale once again like the old days when I was running around.

BRISBANE BRONCOS (11TH)

Buckle up – here come the Broncos! With Adam Reynolds back pulling the strings, suddenly these guys can go all the way – look at how he brought Reece Walsh and Esra Mam back to life against the Knights. All they need to do is sneak into eighth spot and then it’s a whole new comp.

SILVER – CLOSE, BUT NOT THIS YEAR

CRONULLA SHARKS (3RD)

I don’t see the Sharks holding up the trophy. They’ll play finals for the third year in a row under Craig Fitzgibbon, but there’s something missing. Losing Nicho Hynes to injury is a huge blow. They’re rudderless without him.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS (6TH)

Bulldogs fans should be so proud of their team – normally at this time of year the Dogs are trying to avoid the wooden spoon. Their defence has improved incredibly, but they’re still not scoring enough points. They’ll play finals but I think 2025 is when we’ll see their best work.

DOLPHINS (7TH)

Wayne Bennett should take a bow for what he’s done with this mob. In just their second year the Dolphins are on track to play finals. That’s a huge achievement, but they won’t be winning the comp this year.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (8TH)

Their form is like one of those bucking mechanical rodeo bulls you find at parties – up and down and all over the place. Too inconsistent to challenge for a premiership.

BRONZE – NEVER REALLY IN THE HUNT

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (9TH)

Congratulations to Shane Flanagan for putting pride back into the Red V. They look fitter and better connected. But they’re still a couple of quality players short. Will just miss the finals.

CANBERRA RAIDERS (10TH)

Their downfall should have been their strength – GIO Stadium in Canberra. Have had some heavy losses at home and that will keep them out of the finals. Maybe they need to change the Viking horn – it ain’t working!

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (12TH)

Showing signs of life in recent weeks but have left themselves too much to do after a horror start to the season.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (13TH)

They rode on the back of Kalyn Ponga to last year’s finals, but it won’t be happening this time. They need to get him more help.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (14TH)

The biggest disappointment for me. The ‘Wahs’ have sold out every home game but just can’t get it together on the field. How do you lose by 60 to the Titans??

GOLD COAST TITANS (15TH)

Lost their first six, so my old mate Dessie Hasler has done well to get them off the bottom of the ladder. I reckon they’ll play finals in 2025.

PARTICIPATION AWARD – MAY AS WELL HEAD TO BALI NOW

PARRAMATTA EELS (16TH)

Hey boys - get ready for a Storm-style summer flogging by incoming coach Jason Ryles, who knows all about hard work from his time under Craig Bellamy.

WESTS TIGERS (17TH)

Make some more room in the kitchen at your cozy little Centre of Excellence – a third straight wooden spoon is coming home.

AND THE WINNER IS…

My fearless prediction to win the premiership is the Sydney Roosters.