Bodene Thompson celebrates his try with teammates Tuimoala Lolohea and Konrad Hurrell during the match between the Warriors and the Raiders at Mt Smart. Photo / Getty Images
It's nearing that period in the NRL season when every team is looking for a point of difference, trying to find an edge to separate them from the rest of the pack.
Some teams have already done that - with Brisbane's rise the most noticeable. The Broncos scraped into the
eight last year only on points differential and were dumped out in the first week of the finals. They are a transformed team this year, and their edge is built on an incredible defence. Their defensive efforts in recent weeks - particularly against the Storm - were some of the best I have seen by any club for a long time.
The Cowboys have been another surprise success so far. They had potential but who knew they could be this good? Their point of difference has been provided by coach Paul Green, who has kept things very simple. Sometimes league can become too complicated but Green has got everything in place and has clearly given defined roles to his players. Fullback Lachlan Coote has also added another dimension; he doesn't always get the accolades but has been brilliant this year.
The Dragons are the other team that are flying higher than most expected. As Benji Marshall explained on a recent episode of NRL 360, they have turned their culture around including some "no holds barred" training exercises. Marshall has also provided great variety in attack; he is the main link to everyone on the team.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are still searching for their edge, their point of difference, but it could come through their backline.
