With the top eight all but set, the battle for a top-four spot is heating up.

As usual, Dean Ritchie is in the thick of it.

Check out his latest insight as we head into round 21.

ROOSTERS WILL NOT LOSE ANOTHER GAME THIS SEASON

I am prepared to make a bold and fearless comment that will be laughed off by many.

The Sydney Roosters won’t lose another game this season.

That’s right, coach Trent Robinson’s men will remain undefeated. And they will win the competition comfortably.

I walked away from Brookvale Oval last week having watched the Roosters dismantle a disappointing Manly.

I was adamant I had just seen the premiers.

And my prediction was only strengthened after seeing the Roosters crush St George Illawarra last Sunday.

The Roosters are powerful and ruthless.

They have size, speed and strength. They have confidence and aura.

Let’s be honest, they toyed with the Dragons - a side also well in contention for this year’s title.

Latrell Mitchell is scintillating, James Tedesco irresistible. Their forwards have aimed up and Cooper Cronk is ready for his favourite time of the year.

Losing Luke Keary for a month will be a blow but the Roosters have depth.

In fact, they have everything. Who can stop them?

Nobody.

COACH SWAPPING CLUBS NEXT YEAR?

Rumours continue to bubble along about a current NRL coach ready to swap clubs for next season.

The coach has endured a difficult season and is poised to walk away. It will make for a big story.

CLEARY NOT A SURE THING AT CONCORD

Penrith is still confident of retaining Nathan Cleary, despite expected interest from Wests Tigers, where his father, Ivan, coaches.

The Panthers are working away quietly in the background trying to nail down Cleary long-term.

I’d throw a few bucks on Cleary remaining at Penrith.

SALARY CAP BREACHES STILL UNRESOLVED

Manly has asked for additional time in their appeal against NRL salary cap breaches.

The Sea Eagles claim they require more time to enhance their submission. Manly CEO Lyall Gorman has been overseas, delaying the process.

The entire drama has taken so much longer than was initially expected.

Dean Ritchie is a senior reporter for The Daily Telegraph.

Twitter: @bulldogritchie