The Roosters are not only undefeated – it’s hard to see them being beaten by anyone in the regular season.

It almost goes without saying that it’s their competition to lose, such is their dominance so far, and the likely grand final match-up remains them against the Broncos.

Here is the state of play for every NRLW team, with the midway point having been passed on the weekend.

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ROOSTERS – 1st, 12 points (6-0, +108)

Remaining games: Knights (H), Eels (A), Cowboys (A), Raiders (H), Sharks (H)

What’s going well: Virtually everything! Even on the weekend when Gold Coast made the better start, they didn’t panic and had resumed control by half-time. They just have the capacity to adapt, to build pressure, to meet high standards every weekend. And the scary thing is that I think they can still improve. There is just so much quality and depth across the park.

What’s not: About the only thing you could pick them up on is a couple of games where they lost the second half, against the Broncos and Bulldogs in consecutive rounds (three and four). They need to avoid any complacency when leading; with coach John Strange running the show, no doubt they’ll be intent on entering the finals with a more ruthless edge in that regard so quality teams like Brisbane don’t get a sniff.

Prospects: I can’t see the Roosters losing for the remaining rounds, or at all this season to be honest. We may just be looking at undefeated premiers. You’d give the Knights some chance this weekend, as the side running third, but it feels highly unlikely. The only team who could possibly beat them come finals time is the Broncos, yet I don’t think that will happen. This Roosters team is just too good and back-to-back titles are there for the taking. They are undisputed favourites.

Standout player: You really can’t go past Isabelle Kelly, a great player having a dominant season. Jocelyn Kelleher doesn’t get enough of a rap either, having gotten her team off to such a solid start in the halves in the absence of Tarryn Aiken. She’s been critical to their unbeaten start.

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BRONCOS – 2nd, 10 points (5-1, +114)

Remaining games: Eels (H), Knights (A), Bulldogs (H), Warriors (A), Cowboys (H)

What’s going well: The return of Tamika Upton has gone beautifully, as you’d expect when adding arguably the game’s best player to your side. If you set aside comparisons to the Roosters for a moment, they’re going very well in their own right. They seem to really be enjoying their footy and have scored more points than any other side (200).

What’s not: The Broncos sometimes don’t start as strongly as they’d like and that was what cost them against the Roosters; they were down 24-10 at half-time and gave themselves too much work to do to win. Some games, they’re almost like that teenager who just does what they have to do, rather than what they’re really capable of. We saw them give up 28 points last weekend to a Raiders side who’ve only scored 32 across their other five outings. Brisbane are generally a team who like the grind and they’ll want to get that back. The positive thing is that if they do, there’s significant improvement in them.

Prospects: They may well win every remaining home and away game from here and look likely to finish in the top two. The Knights are perhaps the only side who will ask them genuine questions in the coming weeks, then it’s a matter of whether they can produce a near-flawless 70 minutes against the Roosters in the finals – because that’s exactly what it will take to win.

Standout player: Upton has been a standout of the entire competition, but I’ll also give a nod to Julia Robinson after her shift to centre. She’s been really exciting there and offers more to the Broncos a position in from her usual spot on the wing.

KNIGHTS – 3rd, 10 points (5-1, +88)

Remaining games: Roosters (A), Broncos (H), Sharks (A), Titans (H), Dragons (H)

What’s going well: Newcastle look like a team that’s building, though the next few weeks will be telling against a string of big opponents. Off the back of Roosters, Broncos, Sharks, they have a bit of a grudge match against the Titans. Plenty is going right, from Jesse Southwell’s perfect goalkicking to their ability to adapt in the grind; they’re the competition’s best defensive side, with just 64 against. They’ve had a few games where they’ve absorbed early pressure and found a way to win even if they haven’t played their best football, and Yasmin Clydsdale’s leadership after stepping up to the captaincy has been impressive.

What’s not: The Knights have been slow starters, often looking like they just haven’t found their rhythm until the second half. It’s worked well enough for them until now, but it won’t work against the Roosters and Broncos. Bo Vette-Welsh has done a good job filling the big shoes of Upton at fullback and the cohesion of the spine is coming along pretty well, but remains a work in progress relative to the class of the teams they’re trying to beat.

Prospects: While the Knights have a tough run home, it’s probably a good thing that they’re running into the Roosters and Broncos having had some time to build their new combinations. Having copped an upset loss to the Bulldogs in Round 1, they’re likely to drop a couple more games in the next fortnight but should certainly finish the season well enough to play finals.

Standout player: Southwell’s goalkicking has been so good that it may even be the difference in where they finish and from there, whether her side can sneak into a grand final. Her ball-playing has also been impressive steering around the Knights and alongside her, Georgia Roche has been as steady as ever.

COWBOYS – 4th, eight points (4-2, +20)

Remaining games: Bulldogs (H), Wests Tigers (A), Roosters (H), Dragons (A), Broncos (A)

What’s going well: The Cowboys look like a team on the rise and really made a statement with a terrific upset of the Sharks away from home in Round 3. They have a speedy backline and Jakiya Whitfield has looked dangerous all season after switching to fullback, starring for this team alongside Emma Manzelmann at hooker. Makenzie Weale has had some big games in the front row, while lock Bree Chester is their unsung hero with her huge workload.

What’s not: Greater consistency is still needed, from the forward pack for one to give their halves more of a platform. Manzelmann and Chester need more players coming with them week in, week out. The glaring result for the Cowboys is having lost to the Warriors two weeks ago; North Queensland opened the season by beating the Titans comfortably and Gold Coast were good enough to beat the Warriors, yet the Cowboys weren’t. They can’t afford to drop games like that if they want a top four spot.

Prospects: As another team that still has to play both the Roosters and Broncos, the onus will be on them to win all the games around that, which they should be capable of doing. This is their best chance of a finals appearance and it’s in their hands.

Standout player: Manzelmann has been super consistent and she’s led the team strongly as captain. If the Cowboys hold on to play finals, she deserves plenty of the credit.

SHARKS – 5th, six points (3-3, +50)

Remaining games: Titans (H), Warriors (A), Knights (H), Bulldogs (A), Roosters (A)

What’s going well: The Titans showed last season how tough it can be to back up from a grand final defeat and for the most part, Cronulla have avoided that kind of plummet. After a surprise loss first up to the Eels, they’ve put themselves in a position to reach the finals again and from there, they have enough class to threaten opponents. Their roster has chopped and changed a bit due to injury and they’ve adapted well in those instances, while they’ve also managed losing Tayla Preston from their halves after her switch to the Bulldogs. Caitlan Johnston-Green’s looming return is a big plus in the pack.

What’s not: The Sharks are yet to win consecutive games and that lack of consistency can really hurt. The fact that they almost lost to Wests Tigers was something of a red flag for their standing as a contender this season and they’ll want to produce a big performance against the Titans this weekend.

Prospects: It’s a really tough run home for Cronulla and they’ll need to win their fair share to make the finals, with games against the Knights and Roosters that you’d pencil in as losses on form. I can’t see them making the top four, unless there’s a big change to their fortunes, and it’s hard going if you finish in the bottom two finals spots.

Standout player: Emma Verran has been excellent and the Sharks would likely have a couple more losses to their name if it wasn’t for her. Tiana Penitani Gray and Georgia Ravics have also delivered consistently for their side.

WARRIORS – 6th, six points (3-3, -2)

Remaining games: Raiders (H), Sharks (H), Dragons (A), Broncos (H), Wests Tigers (A)

What’s going well: The Warriors have stormed back into the competition and really made us sit up and take notice by putting themselves in the top six by the midway point. They should be really proud of that and they appear to be growing in confidence by the week. Considering that some of their best players are rugby union converts, their capacity for improvement is greater than most sides in the competition.

What’s not: I felt sorry for them being drawn to play the Roosters in Round 1, which meant a heavy opening loss. They rebounded nicely to beat the Eels and have now won their past couple of games. The Warriors have tended to get overwhelmed when opposition sides have gotten a lead on them, so they just need to back themselves and trust their talent a little bit more; though that’s something that may only come with experience.

Prospects: The Warriors could be looking at three or four more wins, with only the Broncos shaping as a likely loss. I reckon they can make the top six and playing finals in their comeback season would be a wonderful achievement.

Standout player: Patricia Maliepo has all the markings of a quality half and just makes things happen around her. She can score individually and defends really solidly for a playmaker.

EELS – 7th, six points (3-3, -4)

Remaining games: Broncos (A), Roosters (H), Titans (A), Wests Tigers (H), Bulldogs (H)

What’s going well: Parramatta have managed well with some difficult absences in Kennedy Cherrington and Mahalia Murphy, and they’re a team whose defence always makes the opposition work hard. Elsie Albert has stood up to lift her team when required, leading from the front in the Eels forward pack.

What’s not: Having gone win-loss all season, there’s been no consistency of results for the Eels. You’re not really finals material if you can’t win two games in a row. It’s only going to get harder to pull that off with the draw they’ve got.

Prospects: I’m not sure the Eels can make the finals. They could prove me wrong and good luck to them if they do, but the only clear win I can see remaining is against the Tigers. Having the Broncos and Roosters over the next fortnight is as tough as it gets and could leave them with too much work to do.

Standout player: Rachael Pearson has been the go-to player for Parra, the one guiding them home from halfback when they’ve been winning. Reuben Cherrington has also been a standout at hooker.

BULLDOGS – 8th, five points (2-3-1, -34)

Remaining games: Cowboys (A), Raiders (H), Broncos (A), Sharks (H), Eels (A)

What’s going well: What a great introduction to the competition, on a number of fronts. They’re a lively bunch who seem to really embrace being in the NRLW, they’re tough to play – and their social media is awesome! The Dogs have put together some really strong second-half performances in particular, notably against the Roosters, and are clearly building a good team dynamic and culture in their inaugural season. Tayla Preston has done a great job running the show at halfback.

What’s not: The Dogs have had trouble with their starts and often found themselves chasing games. That should improve with experience and as combinations build in the team. Preston’s knee injury scare was the last thing they needed, so hopefully any possible absence is short-lived, though I reckon Ash Quinlan has the capacity to hold things together in the halves.

Prospects: Getting two wins before facing the Broncos would be a huge thing for the Bulldogs. The other remaining games are all winnable but so much depends on whether Preston is healthy or not. They’ve got to find a big rebound this weekend after losing 34-6 to the Warriors last start.

Standout player: It has to be Preston at No.7. She’s done a terrific job steering this new team around and her kicking game is such a strength, delivering huge metres every game. She has one of the best kicking games in the competition, even up against the Origin and Jillaroos halves.

TITANS – 9th, five points (2-3-1, -48)

Remaining games: Sharks (A), Dragons (H), Eels (H), Knights (A), Raiders (H)

What’s going well: Extraordinary resilience and flexibility has been demanded of this team. Irrespective of all that, they wouldn’t be happy to be down in ninth and have the potential to still make the top six. There’s still plenty to like about this team, with Georgia Hale’s shift to hooker near the top of the list. Her efforts at No.9 have really helped mitigate the loss of rep star Brittany Breyley-Nati. Sienna Lofipo has been strong in the forward pack, helping to take the pressure off Hale.

What’s not: Few teams have faced the adversity that the Titans have this year. From losing Rilee Jorgensen and Destiny Mino-Sinapati to injury, Shannon Mato and Evania Isaako to pregnancy plus some other injuries to younger players, there have been so many holes to fill. The mounting absences are hard to handle, and plenty will now depend on how long fullback Jaime Chapman and five-eighth Pauline Piliae-Rasabale are out; their hopes may be gone by the time they are back.

Prospects: Their run home features at least four winnable games, yet so much depends on the available players. Their best case looks to be sneaking into sixth position and once you’re in the finals, who knows? Making the finals would be a huge result with all the setbacks this season, but they’re up against it to get there.

Standout player: Jess Elliston has to do so much tough work for this team in the front row. Every week she just gets bashed, yet every week she turns up and does her job without a backward step.

DRAGONS – 10th, four points (2-4, -28)

Remaining games: Wests Tigers (A), Titans (A), Warriors (H), Cowboys (H), Knights (A)

What’s going well: When fully fit, the Dragons have serious firepower in the outside backs through the likes of Margot Vella, Indie Bostock and Teagan Berry. Hannah Southwell settled into the forward pack really nicely. A couple of strong early wins, either side of a respectable loss to the Roosters, marked them as a bit of a dark horse before things turned for the worse.

What’s not: Losing Vella to an ACL injury was a big blow, on top of recent suspensions to Berry and Raecene McGregor. Three losses in a row have put a big hole in their season and they’ve struggled for combinations and consistency with key players out across that time.

Prospects: With Berry back in the No.1 jersey and McGregor back alongside Kasey Reh in the halves, the Dragons at least have a fighting chance. But I can’t see them making top six with their remaining draw when the Tigers shape as the only clear chance for a win.

Standout player: Hooker Zali Hopkins has been a constant for the Dragons and really stepped up in the absence of fellow spine players Berry and McGregor. She turns up and plays well every week.

WESTS TIGERS – 11th, zero points (0-6, -98)

Remaining games: Dragons (H), Cowboys (H), Raiders (A), Eels (A), Warriors (H)

What’s going well: For a winless team, the Tigers have at least shown some resilience. Their young players have been courageous and there’s at least been times within games where they’ve looked competitive, getting within four points of decent sides in the Bulldogs and Sharks. Sarah Togatuki and Kezie Apps have led the side by their actions up front.

What’s not: The Tigers haven’t been able to sustain pressure by stringing together sets of good football. They lack dangerous options in attack, having the competition’s lowest scoring output (50 points), and just haven’t been able to threaten with any consistency when they have good ball. The tough reality is that they don’t have any star attacking players to back up the strong forwards, and decent teams can comfortably defend what they’re coming up with.

Prospects: I wouldn’t write off the Tigers this weekend against the Dragons. Maybe a win comes for them there… and if not, they play the Raiders in a fortnight. Really, from here on they mostly need to focus on their recruitment for next season.

Standout player: Caitlin Turnbull scored a hat-trick on the wing early in the season and is now playing fullback. She’s an exciting young player who has at least given her club a bright spot this season. They need to make sure they keep her.

RAIDERS – 12th, zero points (0-6, -166)

Remaining games: Warriors (A), Bulldogs (A), Wests Tigers (H), Roosters (A), Titans (A)

What’s going well: On paper at least, the Raiders have all the components for a successful side. Their back five in particular are fast, physical and in your face, and Simaima Taufa is a top middle forward. When things are going well, Canberra are really good at building momentum off the back of a quick play-the-ball, through the likes of Taufa, Sophie Holyman, Grace Kemp and Kerehitina Matua, plus winger Maddison Bartlett. When the Raiders get a roll-on, they’re as good as any forward pack. The downside? It just doesn’t happen consistently enough.

What’s not: The Raiders scored nearly half of their 60 points for the season in one outing, last weekend against the Broncos. They have just been unable to produce points. What seems to always kill them is unforced errors, they just always cruel themselves with mistakes. They don’t get outmuscled or outrun, they just bring themselves down. At times it looks like Under-12s stuff.

Prospects: They’ll be looking to their game against the Tigers to hopefully get a win, in what must have been a very mentally tough season with so many losses. I think they’ve got a win in them… Zahara Temara firing in the halves against a Bulldogs side minus Preston, perhaps, gives them another opportunity.

Standout player: Bartlett is a really good finisher, with four tries this season among the modest total points haul for her side.