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After 27 weeks and 192 games, the regular season is coming to an end. But there is still plenty to be decided in the second half of Round 26.
The minor premiership will be settled on Saturday night, when the Storm take on the Sharks, before the final spot in the top eight will be determined if the Wests Tigers succeed in trumping the third-placed Raiders at Leichhardt Oval.
We then head across the ditch to witness the Warriors taking on the Eels, before Penrith host the final game of the 2016 regular season against the Sea Eagles on Sunday night.
Melbourne Storm versus Cronulla Sharks
Saturday, 3 September, 7:30pm (AEST) at AAMI Park
The minor premiership is on the line with the winner of Saturday night, in front of what is expected to be a large crowd at AAMI Park.
Melbourne were shocked last week, after the Broncos handed them a 26-16 defeat.
Craig Bellamy has named Christian Welch on a five-man bench on Matt White in the wake of Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s suspension.
If they are to go into September in pole position, they need to grind out Cronulla through their trademark grit up front and no-frills attack.
Like their opponents, Shane Flanagan’s Sharks don’t have much to work on, however they need a platform to spring off ahead of the finals.
They managed to get back in the winners’ circle with a 37-12 victory over the Roosters last Saturday night, with Paul Gallen and Ben Barba leading the way.
James Maloney and Chad Townsend will also be pivotal, with the pair needing to increase their in-game attention against a stiff Storm defensive line.
In 30 meetings, the Storm have defeated Cronulla on 20 occasions, the Sharks winning ten times.
Last time they met, in Round 4 of this year, the boys from the Shire won 14-6 at Shark Park.
Prediction
Melbourne will lift the JJ Giltinan Shield high, and go into the finals on top of the table.
Storm by 6.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 7:30pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Sharks defeated Storm 14-6 (Round 4, 2016)
Head-to-head: 30 played – Storm 20, Sharks 10
Storm’s last three games: 16-26 versus Broncos, 38-18 versus Sea Eagles, 8-22 versus Raiders
Sharks’ last three games: 37-12 versus Roosters, 6-12 versus Rabbitohs, 18-32 versus DragonsMelbourne Storm
1. Cameron Munster, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Ryan Morgan, 5. Marika Koroibete, 6. Blake Green, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Tim Glasby, 11. Kenneath Bromwich, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Felise Kaufusi, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Jordan McLean, 17. Ben Hampton, 21. Matt WhiteCronulla Sharks
1. Ben Barba, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. James Maloney, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Michael Ennis, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Luke Lewis, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo, 15. Chris Heighington, 16. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 17. Jayson Bukuya
Wests Tigers versus Canberra Raiders
Sunday, 4 September, 2pm (AEST) at Leichhardt Oval
The final makeup of the top eight will be decided on Sunday afternoon, as Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks aim to steer their team to a win against the third-placed Raiders, who may yet be able to secure a top-two spot.
Jason Taylor’s troops stayed in the hunt for a finals finish with a big 36-24 win over the Warriors in Auckland last week.
A scare has been sent through the joint venture’s camp in recent days, with Aaron Woods reportedly on a drip with a virus.
The Raiders have had injury scares of their own, with Blake Austin suffering a hand injury and Aidan Sezer injured in last week’s 44-30 victory over Manly.
The Gold Coast recruit has been cleared of a shoulder injury and named to line-up in the halves for the Green Machine, alongside Sam Williams.
His guidance will be integral for the Raiders, with Ricky Stuart’s men shaping as a serious premiership threat.
Canberra have defeated the Tigers 13 times from 31 matches, with their opposition victorious in 18 outings.
Last time they met, the Raiders handed Wests Tigers their fourth-biggest loss, 60-6.
Prediction
The Raiders will continue their premiership charge, ending the Tigers’ season.
Raiders by 10.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 2pm (AEST)
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Raiders defeated Wests Tigers 60-6 (Round 8, 2016)
Head-to-head: 31 played – Wests Tigers 18, Raiders 13
Wests Tigers’ last three games: 36-24 versus Warriors, 10-40 versus Panthers, 18-19 versus Titans
Raiders’ last three games: 44-30 versus Sea Eagles, 28-18 versus Eels, 22-8 versus StormWests Tigers
1. David Nofoaluma, 2. Jordan Rankin, 3. Tim Simona, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Aaron Woods (c), 9. Dene Halatau, 10. Sauaso Sue, 11. Josh Aloiai, 12. Chris Lawrence, 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Tim Grant, 17. Joel Edwards, 18. Michael Chee-KamCanberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Sam Williams, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Paul Vaughan, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Iosia Soliola
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Joseph Tapine
New Zealand Warriors versus Parramatta Eels
Sunday, 4 September, 4pm (AEST) at Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors’ season is officially over after their 36-24 loss to the Tigers’ last weekend, but Andrew McFadden’s men want to end the season on a high.
McFadden has been forced to make a number of changes this week, with Iulio Afoa, Jonathan Wright, Ken Maumalo and Nathaniel Roache named, replacing Manu Vatuvei and Solomone Kata, through sternum injury and suspension respectively, while James Gavet has been dropped from the side.
The Eels meanwhile are unchanged following their last-start win over the Dragons, when they farewelled Parramatta Stadium in style after 30 long years of service.
It has been a controversial season for the blue and gold, having been rocked by scandal after scandal, with the team no doubt looking forward to the off-season break.
Jeff Robson will have a point to prove, with his old legs needing to show signs of life against the club with which he started the season. The Leeton local will be hoping to secure one last contract for a swansong season at Parramatta with a strong performance in the halves alongside Clinton Gutherson.
Last time the two teams met, in Round 10 last year, the Warriors prevailed 17-13.
It was the 33rd meeting between the two clubs since 1998, of which the Warriors have won 14 to Parra’s 19.
Prediction
Shaun Johnson will give Warriors fans something to smile about with a win over the Eels to close out their 2016 campaign.
Warriors by 12.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 4pm (AEST)
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox Sports
Last meeting: Warriors defeated Eels 17-13 (Round 10, 2015)
Head-to-head: 33 played – Warriors 14, Eels 19
Warriors’ last three games: 24-36 versus Wests Tigers, 6-34 versus Cowboys, 22-41 versus Rabbitohs
Eels’ last three games: 30-18 versus Dragons, 18-28 versus Raiders, 16-38 versus BroncosNew Zealand Warriors
1. Tuimoala Lolohea, 2. Jonathan Wright, 3. Blake Ayshford, 4. David Fusitu’a, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Thomas Leuluai, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jacob Lillyman, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Albert Vete, 11. Bodene Thompson, 12. Ryan Hoffman (c), 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Ma’afoaeata Hingano, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Ben Matulino, 17. Iulio Afoa, 18. Nathaniel RoacheParramatta Eels
1. Bevan French, 2. Semi Radradra, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Michael Gordon, 6. Clinton Gutherson, 7. Jeff Robson, 8. Danny Wicks, 9. Isaac De Gois, 10. Tim Mannah, 11. Manu Ma’u, 12. Tepai Moeroa, 13. Beau Scott
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard, 15. Kenny Edwards, 16. Peni Terepo, 17. Daniel Alvaro, 18. David Gower
Penrith Panthers Manly Sea Eagles
Sunday, 4 September, 6:30pm (AEST) at Pepper Stadium
Penrith shape as the dark horse heading into the finals, showing plenty of promise.
Led by Nathan Cleary, Bryce Cartwright and Matt Moylan, the Panthers possess some flashy backs and hard-working forwards, playing well beyond their age.
A win could see them jump as high as fifth place, although they are all but certain to play the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium as part of a double header.
Anthony Griffin has made just one change to his side, with the absence of Reagan Campbell-Gillard due to a back injury seeing Jeremy Latimore come onto a five-man bench, alongside Moses Leota.
Manly have made changes to their side that went down to the Raiders 44-30 last week, with Blake Leary and Dylan Walker returning at the expense of rookie Brad Parker and stalwart Frank Winterstein.
Walker will line up in the centres, partnering Brayden Wiliame on the flank as Trent Barrett attempts to solve the halves problem.
The Silvertails may not have anything to play for, however the Trbojevic brothers, Martin Taupau and Lewis Brown will be watched closely by representative coaches ahead of the end-of-year Four Nations tournament, to be held in England.
In 26 meetings since 1998, the Panthers and Sea Eagles have won 13 games each.
Prediction
Penrith will record a big win as they look to win their first premiership since 2003.
Panthers by 18.
What you need to know
Kickoff: 6:30pm (AEST)
Venue: Pepper Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Panthers defeated Sea Eagles 31-24 (Round 14, 2016)
Head-to-head: 26 played – Panthers 13, Sea Eagles 13
Panthers’ last three games: 15-14 versus Titans, 40-10 versus Wests Tigers, 42-6 versus Knights
Sea Eagles’ last three games: 30-44 versus Raiders, 18-38 versus Storm, 16-20 versus BulldogsPenrith Panthers
1. Matt Moylan (c), 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Bryce Cartwright, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Leilani Latu, 9. Peter Wallace, 10. Suaia Matagi, 11. Isaah Yeo, 12. James Fisher-Harris, 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola, 15. Jeremy Latimore, 16. Chris Grevsmuhl, 17. Zak Hardaker, 20. Moses LeotaManly Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Matthew Wright, 5. Brayden Wiliame, 6. Apisai Koroisau, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Matt Parcell, 10. Nate Myles (c), 11. Martin Taupau, 12. Jamie Buhrer, 13. Jake Trbojevic (c)
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary, 15. Josh Starling, 16. Lewis Brown, 17. Siosaia Vave
A special thanks to Joe Frost, Patrick Effeney and The Roar’s editing team for the last 27 weeks of rugby league, as well as to everyone who has read this column throughout the season.
Bring on the finals!
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew
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