Canterbury-Bankstown coach Des Hasler believes 2016 is one of the tightest competitions in recent memory and says making the top four is imperative to holding the trophy aloft.

“The top-four spot is always an advantage,” Hasler said.

“As long as I can remember this had been one of the closest competitions.

“Teams are really coming into their own and there were an assortment of results last weekend.

“And with semi-final football it goes to another level again.

“You need any advantage you can take in those last eight places and being in the top four seems to be one of those.”