The Melbourne Storm have once again claimed the NRL minor premiership, with a 42-4 thrashing of the Rabbitohs last night.

After last week's loss to the Knights, the Storm looked to have blown their chances at the minor premiership, giving the Sea Eagles a shot at the $100k bonus prize.

Their chances weren't helped by the Sea Eagles win over the Panthers on Saturday night, which meant the Storm had to win by a margin of 26 points to claim first place.

Fortunately for them, the woeful Bunnies put up no challenge - and the Storm were easily able to surpass the 26 point mark.

They will now head into round one of the playoffs against the Warriors, who beat the Eels to secure the final spot in the playoffs - who ended the Knights 2008 season by doing so.

The Warriors will need to play the game of their lives if they want to beat the Storm, but if there's one side in the playoffs that can cause a few upsets, it's definitely the Warriors. In saying that, though - they could very well find themselves on the wrong side of a fired up Storm unit.

But, that's the beauty of the Warriors - you never quite know what you're gonna get.

The Sea Eagles will be disappointed not to win the minor premiership, but at this stage of the year all that really matters is that you're in the Top 8. They'll take on the St. George/Illawara Dragons in a battle between 2nd and 7th.

What a comeback it's been for the Dragons, who were really struggling at the beginning of the year. And, whilst their chances of beating the Sea Eagles are pretty slim - stranger things have happened.

The Sharks finished the year in 3rd place, which gives them a home game against the Canberra Raiders - the surprise team in this year's competition.

The Raiders are playing fantastic footy, and pose a real threat to the other seven sides. They'll need to work on their defence, which has been lacking at times this year, but there is a real chance of an upset in this game.

The Roosters have finally returned to the NRL playoffs after a few years in the wilderness, but their form of late has been average at best - and it doesn't help that they face the Broncos, who will be looking to finish the year with one last Grand Final win under the guidance of Wayne Bennett.

With the lowest placed losers dropping out from the first round of action, it's hard to see the Warriors and Dragons progressing to the second round. Both teams will have to be at their best to knock off the Storm and Sea Eagles, but the fact that they're there means they have a chance - and that's all that matters at this stage.

We've waited 26 rounds, sports fans, and now the real excitement begins. September footy is here!