The mighty fell and the unlikely prevailed in 2005, leaving fans and pundits salivating for more of the same next year.

Wests Tigers' stunning charge to premiership success was more than just a win for the underdog, it marked a return to an open and attractive brand of attacking football after repetitive hit-ups and gang-tackling were the hallmark of previous premiership victories.

In a game that's constantly evolving, the Tigers proved robotic monoliths could no longer tuck the ball under their arm and triumph, as the fast and mobile turned the tables.

No longer could Brisbane barge up the middle and be guaranteed a win. No longer could the Sydney Roosters throw three and four men into a tackle and snuff out the opposition's attack. The Tigers and North Queensland were the new kings, with their speed and skill making them a threat from anywhere on the field at any time.

And the fans couldn't get enough.

Ground records were broken and the TV ratings were at all-time highs as the punters lapped up the end-to-end action. The fans loved it and now they are hungry for more in 2006.

And in a topsy-turvy year where Newcastle came last, the previous year's grand finalists didn't even make the playoffs and New Zealand ruled international rugby league, what surprises lie in store next season?

Will Brisbane adapt or perish against the speed merchants? Can the world's best player drag the Knights back into premiership contention? Can South Sydney's young brigade lift the red and green back to a place atop the league ladder?

The only certainty, after seeing the Tigers come from nowhere to take out the title this year, is anything is possible.

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