The three-peat was achieved by the Penrith Panthers in 2023, in one of the most tightly-contested competitions of the modern era.
The opening third of the season saw some incredibly close margins, with the dominant teams starting to open the gaps on their opponents towards the back end of the year.
The Dolphins won plenty of fans in their inaugural NRL year in a season that many would not have predicted to be as successful.
The Warriors were adopted as many fans' 'second-favourite' team, with many riding the 'Wahs Wave', feeling affection for the Shaun Johnson-led side that arguably endured the hardest journey in and out of the COVID-affected period.
The NRL set new records for viewership and attendance in 2023, and it was a year where so many teams were still mathematically in finals contention until the final few rounds.
There was a plethora of encounters that we had to consider when finalising our top ten games of the year. Did we get them right? Were there any matches that you would have included?
5. Round 7 - Sea Eagles vs Storm: The battle rages on
With the 'Battle of Brookvale' still fresh in the minds of many of the players, this was just another episode in the saga.
The Sea Eagles soared to an early lead, courtesy of the electrifying synergy between Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic.
The match threatened to bubble over on countless occasions as a roller-coaster of late hits, sin-bins, all-in brawls and colossal tackles embodied the intensity expected when two great enemies clash.
Emotions ran high as the Sea Eagles and Storm left it all on the field, showcasing the raw essence of rugby league rivalry.
Despite the fierce competition, Manly emerged triumphant, securing a hard-fought 18-8 victory. The contest not only added another chapter to their storied history but also affirmed the Sea Eagles' continued ability to find form against the Storm.
