With only five weeks left in the NRL regular season, the finals landscape remains unclear. While Canberra, Melbourne, and Canterbury have been frontrunners for most of the season, they have each faced inconsistencies lately. Conversely, Penrith, who started poorly, has surged up the ladder and is now vying for a top-four finish.
The fight for the eighth and final finals position is highly competitive, featuring the Dolphins, Roosters, and Sea Eagles, who will all face each other in crucial matches down the stretch.
Current Standings and Future Projections:
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Canberra Raiders (36 points, +152, 1 bye): Despite a minor setback against the Dragons, Canberra remains the top contender for the minor premiership. Their fixture list includes a mix of challenging matchups and a bye, which should help them secure the JJ Giltinan Shield.
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Melbourne Storm (34 points, +228, no byes): The Storm are aiming for consistency as they contend for the top spot, but they’ll face tough adversaries in the coming weeks, including a critical match against the Broncos.
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Canterbury Bulldogs (34 points, +122, no byes): The Bulldogs are in a strong position but must navigate a tough schedule, including games against the Warriors and Storm, to solidify their playoff contention.
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New Zealand Warriors (30 points, +26, no byes): The Warriors are struggling with injuries and poor form, making their path to the finals uncertain. They face a mixed run going forward, with potential to secure wins if key players return.
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Penrith Panthers (29 points, +83, no byes): The reigning premiers have rallied back into playoff contention. They will face tough opponents, including the Raiders and Storm, in matches that could determine their finals fate.
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Brisbane Broncos (28 points, +124, no byes): Brisbane has been inconsistent but could make a splash if they find form. Their upcoming schedule will be pivotal in their quest for a finals spot.
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Cronulla Sharks (28 points, +43, 1 bye): Cronulla has shown potential to peak at the right moment, benefiting from a softer schedule compared to their rivals.
- Dolphins (26 points, +171, no byes): A surprise package this season, the Dolphins are well-placed for a finals berth but will face significant challenges, particularly in crucial games against the Roosters and Sea Eagles.
Closing Thoughts:
As the season draws to a close, the fight for the finals spots will surely intensify, with each match potentially altering the standings dramatically. Teams like the Sea Eagles and Roosters will need to exert pressure to edge into a playoff position in these final weeks. All eyes will be on the coming clashes, particularly those involving top-eight contenders, as they aim to secure their place in the finals race.