This really is the year of the injury.
All sides have multiple players out and some like Manly, Broncos, etc have had their competitiveness shattered with key players out. Teams like the Raiders, knights, etc have been up and down with their form mirroring injuries to key players.
The speed and fatigue is good for fans but its unsustainable the amount of damage were getting.
In a 30 man squad:
Broncos - 12 players out injured
Raiders - 9
Manly - 7 including key players
Melbourne - 13
Knights - 9
Souths - 9
Roosters - 10
Warriors - 9 plus returnees
Games are decided by whose got the most first choice talent available on the day. The lower teams with less depth are even more exposed.
This years top 4 include the Eels (1 injury) and Panthers (5 injuries, no long term or star) and the Storm and Roosters who probably have the most depth to call on. Our competition has been shaped by the injury crisis this year.