By CASEY O’CONNOR
AT THE completion of Round 25 the make-up of the NRL top eight is a little clearer. Just where clubs finish is still not a given. Several of the competition minnows flexed their muscle last week leaving their best work for the end of the season and coaches and supporters asking the question: “Where has that form been all season”.
While the form of some of the anticipated premiership contenders remains questionable, injuries continue to play a significant role and have left some sides in precarious positions only a week out from the finals.
The top three teams look to be settled but in which order the Roosters and Broncos finish will come down to the results of round 26.
The Roosters look likely to collect their third Minor Premiership in as many years however they must first beat the Bunnies who could not have been less impressive last Thursday night at Suncorp. They were simply outclassed by a Brisbane side that made a real statement of their intentions.
The defending premiers now sit in seventh spot on the ladder and desperate to improve their lot when they take on the Chooks who had a big Friday night win at Brookvale.
Melbourne have dropped out of the top four despite a gritty win over the Cowboys at AAMI Park. Depending on other results, a win at Suncorp could see them sneak back up the ladder.
Cronulla, who have been circling with intent in the final quarter of the season, have earned their right to a top four finish but to secure that spot must beat arch rivals Manly in what is sure to be a get down and get dirty arm wrestle.
If Manly were to snatch a win over the Sharks and the Dragons come up short against the Tigers the landscape could change.
While the top eight shuffle will be carefully watched there are three teams Newcastle, Tigers and Panthers at the opposite end of the ladder fighting to keep the wooden spoon at bay.
The action kicks off on Thursday night with a big game for the Broncos and Storm. Brisbane’s focus is not on the Minor Premiership Shield and it would be no surprise to see some Broncos players rested. Melbourne will have all hands on deck as they scramble to regain their place in the top four. On the back of an impressive performance last round I think Brisbane will win but you can never discount Melbourne who have a good record against the Broncos.
Friday night the Roosters will be looking to claim Minor Premiership honours again when they face the Bunnies. A 35-point loss against Brisbane last week has not given tipsters confidence South Sydney can win here. They look set to be without Isaac Luke and there has been no news to date on the return of Greg Inglis. On recent form, the Roosters should win here. If there is to be a major upset in Round 26 look for the Bunnies to spring a trap on the Roosters.
On Saturday Penrith host the Knights in one of the battles that will decide the fate of the 2015 wooden spoon. Most pundits had the Panthers figuring in their top eight at the start of the season, however injuries decimated their chances. The Knights have saved some of their best performances for last. Although beaten last weekend by the Bulldogs, they showed plenty of courage and should end their season with a win.
The Tigers and Dragons go head to head at ANZ on Saturday. If the Tigers bring the form and attitude showed in Round 25 they will give the Dragons a solid hit-up before the finals. St George have a huge differential advantage over Manly so even if the Tigers were to get up here, and stranger things have happened, Dragons fans should still see their team in the finals. I expect the Dragons will get the job done here.
Coming off some disappointing results the Cowboys will be looking to put the Titans away in Saturday night’s game at 1300 Smiles. Injuries at this late stage have upset the Cowboys’ momentum, however they will finish the season in third spot.
Whatever finals scenario unfolds for the Cowboys, they need either Michael Morgan to return ahead of schedule or Ray Thompson and Johnathan Thurston to find a combination quickly. A Cowboys’ win will wrap up a good season for the NQlanders.
As the Eels and Raiders go head to head at Pirtek fans from both sides will be left to ponder what might have been. Canberra show promise of something special while the Eels have avoided another wooden spoon.
The Raiders were entertaining on Monday night but the loss of Blake Austen will impact this game. The outcome here is a toss of the coin. Both sides have played 15 games and won six. Leaning slightly towards the Raiders despite the loss of Austen.
One of the feature games of the round will be the clash of the Sharks and Sea Eagles at Remondis. A Sharks win should seal their top four finish. Unfortunately I can’t see it being a winning farewell for Geoff Toovey in what will be an intriguing game.
The Dogs and Warriors will officially wrap up the 2015 fixtures at ANZ on Sunday night. On paper this might not be the most exciting game of the round however the result could have a big impact on the finals.
On current form it is hard to see Hasler’s Doggies getting beaten here. A Bulldogs win could set the cat among the pigeons depending on the results of other games. What effect a win will have gets all too mathematical and hypothetical to even contemplate. It remains a remote possibility if the stars align that the Dogs could finish as high as fourth. A more likely scenario – they will win here and finish sixth or seventh.
Whichever way the cards fall this week it has been a remarkable season and we are set for some sensational rugby league as the finals unfold.
Casey’s tips
Broncos
Rabbitohs
Knights
Dragons
Cowboys
Raiders
Sharks
Bulldogs
