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The final round of the NRL this coming weekend features eight games, all of which will have a massive influence on the ladder, the top eight and the final series.
OK, I may have just told a little white lie, for a couple of the games will have less of an impact than me punching Sam Burgess.
However, don’t let my hyperbole distract you from the fact that most of the results from Round 26 will have major implications upon the rest of the season.
Let us a cast our eye over the final round of what has been a fantastic NRL regular season; one that has come right down to the wire.
Sydney Roosters versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
Déjà vu anyone? The last round of the season. Chooks versus Bunnies. The minor premiership potentially on the line. I feel like I’ve read this script before…
The two competition heavyweights, and bitter rivals, face each other in a game that could decide top spot, should Manly lose. Even if the Sea Eagles win, a victory in this match would secure not just the vital second position on the ladder, but more importantly a psychological advantage as well, considering the two teams may meet again in the finals.
In a round for the ages, this Thursday night encounter is still the pick of the games.
Melbourne Storm versus Brisbane Broncos
Plenty to play for here, with Brisbane tussling for a spot in the eight and Melbourne desperate to finish in the coveted top four. There is even an outside chance the Storm could miss the finals altogether, should they lose this game.
The Broncos are coming off a hard-fought win against the Dragons – and Ben Cummins – while the Storm looked pretty good in going down to the Roosters on Saturday night.
Though Melbourne have been a little off the pace all year, this is a massive game, and Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk love delivering when the stakes are at their highest. Having said that, Brisbane are playing for survival, and that desperation should ensure this game is a cracker.
Wests Tigers versus Cronulla Sharks
A Tiger Shark is an attractive, yet fearsome, creature of the sea. They’re captivating to watch, and people pay good money to see them in aquariums all around the world. Presumably.
A Tigers versus Sharks game is not quite as fearsome or captivating, and I’m predicting nowhere near as attractive either. Nor can I imagine too many people paying to watch it.
The end of the season can’t come quick enough for these two clubs, and the motivation for both teams will be to get through the 80 minutes as quickly as possible and start planning for next year.
Canberra Raiders versus Parramatta Eels
Ricky Stuart gets another chance to screw over the Eels, with a Canberra victory officially ending Parramatta’s season and preventing them from making the top eight.
The Eels will need luck and other results to go their way anyway, with their for and against of minus 90 ensuring they have to win, and the Broncos and Warriors need to lose, in order for Parra to make the finals.
Apart from ‘Sticky’ sticking it to his old club, the Raiders are shooting for three consecutive wins, and plenty of (meaningless) momentum into next season, so this game will definitely be intense.
North Queensland Cowboys versus Manly Sea Eagles
Should Manly win they will capture the minor premiership. They can’t finish lower than second anyway, as the Roosters and Bunnies obviously play each other.
Though it’s debatable how much of a difference a first or second place finish really matters, there is the small matter of the $100,000 prize money for winning the minor premiership, so expect Manly to come out all guns blazing.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have somewhat quietly gone about their business this season, and are primed to make a deep run in the finals series behind the sublime play of Johnathan Thurston, back in the number seven jersey where he belongs.
The style of play of both teams, along with what’s at stake for Manly, makes this a mouth-watering contest.
Newcastle Knights versus St George Illawarra Dragons
The Knights can send Wayne Bennett off to Brisbane as a winner, and end an extremely tough season – on a number of levels – on a high.
The Dragons can exact some revenge on Bennett for not returning to the proud club, despite giving every indication that he would.
You’re right, I’m clutching at straws. There is nothing to see here, jog along.
Gold Coast Titans versus Canterbury Bulldogs
Considering the Titans’ disgraceful performance against the Warriors on the weekend – going down 42-0 on Sunday afternoon – this could be an ideal game for the Dogs heading into finals.
Mathematically, fourth place is still up for grabs, but I think the Dogs would settle for a confidence-building victory and a guaranteed spot in the finals, especially as a loss could see them miss out on the eight altogether.
Penrith Panthers versus New Zealand Warriors
The round ends with a huge game that will have major implications on the finals series.
Penrith continue to struggle for respect from the media and opposition fans, but their position on the ladder doesn’t lie: they’ve been one of the best teams in the competition this year.
Meanwhile, the inconsistent Warriors – stop me if you’ve heard that before – kept their season alive with a demolition of the Titans on the weekend. The Woe Woes always run hot and cold, but on their day their hottest is enough to beat anyone, and Penrith won’t be taking them lightly.
The Panthers can guarantee a top-four finish if they win. The Warriors need to win to make the finals.
So, nothing major at stake.