Who would have thought that when the 2020 fixture was released that this was how the year would have ended up?
Teams in hubs. A halfback banned for a dance video. A coach sidelined for grabbing dinner. The Warriors calling Tamworth and not Auckland home.
Due to arrival of an unforeseen and, as of yet, untameable virus, the game, like the rest of the world, was forced to make compromises.
With these changes came a fresh batch of terms to enter the Rugby League lexicon, as well as the array of previously unthought of headlines that appeared on mastheads everywhere.
So despite a season that provided challenges for everyone involved in the game, it has also supplied many moments (both good and bad) that will live long in our memories.
Here are the top 10 headlines from a season unlike any before it.
5. The purple reign proceeds
If you enjoy a flutter on the pre-season premiership markets, for the past decade and a half the smartest bet in League has been to side with the Storm.
Since entering the competition in 1998, Melbourne has collected four Premierships and a pair of illegitimate titles.
Bellamy's boys capped off another triumphant season snapping the aforementioned Penrith streak with a 26-20 victory.
In a season where they spent the vast majority time away from their adoring AAMI Park crowd, Melbourne once again proved their professional credentials. Not one peep was heard out of their hub and not a single breach.
If last Sunday was to be Cameron Smith's final game for the franchise, then his teammates certainly sent him out with a finale befitting his immortal worthy CV.
If you're already looking at the market for next year's competition winner, look no further than the usual suspect.