The NRL season is over, but some of this year's contests will live on in the memories of fans for at least a couple of years.

We've had a look back at every game this year to pick 10 of the best, from amazing comebacks to heavyweight clashes that lived up to the billing. We've tried to steer clear of games that ended controversially, but there were still plenty of exciting battles to pick from across 200-odd games.

With that in mind, here are our picks for the best games this year - did we miss anything?

8. FW3: Parramatta 24 def. North Queensland 20, QCB Stadium, September 23

A grand final spot on the line, two of the game's best attacking teams and soupy conditions in the tropical north meant few people gave the Eels a chance.

The blue and gold opened the scoring in controversial fashion as halfback Mitch Moses danced around the defence before passing while facing backwards to Isaiah Papali'i. Though his positioning didn't help, the forward pass went uncalled and WIll Penisini went over.

But as they've done all year, the Cowboys hit back quickly as Reuben Cotter ran straight through a gap at Clint Gutherson, who couldn't stop the hard-running front-rower so close to the line.

Just as the Cowboys looked to have regained some momentum, Jason Taumalolo was sent to the sin bin after a careless shot on Papali'i, and the Eels capitalised on the numerical advantage soon after through Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

The Cowboys didn't wait for Taumalolo's return to hit back, scoring through Luciano Leilua despite the numerical disadvantage.

The second half started in less-enthralling fashion, with two penalties from the boot of Holmes taking the Cowboys in front. They finally crossed the line after 13 minutes after some nice link-up play and quick hands by Scott Drinkwater and Holmes sent Taulagi through again, giving the Cowboys an eight-point lead as fatigue started to set in.

But despite the conditions and the margin, Parramatta refused to yield with a grand final on the line, and Campbell-Gillard went over for his second just minutes later. With 15 minutes remaining a remarkable no-look offload from Shaun Lane to Maika Sivo put the Eels back in front.

The Cowboys came agonisingly close through Kyle Feldt and took the Eels to the very last tackle, but they couldn't find a way through as Parramatta secured a historic grand final return.