With the 2008 NRL season done and dusted, there remains only two teams to review - the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm. We all know which of these two teams had the better season...

Manly Sea Eagles (1st): This season could not have gone any better for Des Hasler's boys. They were determined to erase the memory of 2007, and have done so in spectacular fashion. Going into the final, a lot of people thought that they couldn't beat the Storm - especially away from Brookvale. Well - they proved all their critics wrong, didn't they?

Throughout the whole season, only one player made his debut for the club (David "Wolfman" Williams), and that shows how much depth the club has. They are losing some veterans of the club, though, and next year will certainly be a good test of how well the club has prepared for life without Menzies, Bell, Williamson and Bryant.

For now, though, they can bask in the glory of their 2008 season.

2009 Gains: Chris Bailey (Knights), Tony Williams (Eels), Shane Rodney (Panthers)
2009 Losses: Steve "Beaver" Menzies (Bradford), Steven Bell (Les Catalans), Luke Williamson (London Harlequins), Mark Bryant (Celtic Crusaders).

Melbourne Storm (2nd): When you think about what was expected of the Storm this year, you'd have to say that the season was a failure. They were favourites to win right from the beginning of the year, but by the time the playoffs came around they were starting to look very shaky. They did, however, win the Minor Premiership - and that shows that they are still a classy side. And, although they too are losing some key players for 2009, only a fool would bet against them. They've developed a winning culture, and it shows no sign of ending any time soon.

They'll be able to put this year behind them, and start looking to how they plan on regaining their title next year. They have such a strong team - with the likes of Smith, Slater, Inglis, Hoffman and Cronk, they'll be able to make a strong fight for the Premiership in 2009.

2009 Gains: Ryan Hinchcliff (Raiders), Arana Taumata (Bulldogs), Matt Cross (Titans), William Isa (Panthers)
2009 Losses: Matt Geyer (Retiring), Israel Falou (Broncos), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Michael Crocker (Hull), Sam Tagataese (Titans), Antonio Kaufusi (Cowboys), Liam Foran (Warriors), Russell Aitken (French Rugby League)