With Origin finally out of the way, focus has returned to club football and the race towards September.
Many would argue that the competition is not as open as other years, with a group of teams clearly more fancied to succeed in 2013 than others.
However as history would tell you, a lot can change over the last stage of the season.
Title contenders: South Sydney Rabbitohs – currently first
Souths have been atop of the NRL ladder for many weeks now but face a challenge to maintain that spot until the finals with the injury to Greg Inglis.
A hard run in for the Redfern club, with matches against Melbourne and Manly in the coming weeks would suggest that the final round meeting against the Sydney Roosters will be pivotal.
Predicted Finish after R26: Top 2
Sydney Roosters- currently second
One of the biggest surprises of 2013 is just how well the Roosters have performed.
The new inclusions into the squad and the coaching of Trent Robinson has appeared to work wonders for the chooks.
At this moment they sit just two points adrift of Souths, but with more momentum, they will be eyeing the Minor Premiership.
Predicted Finish after R26: Top 2
Melbourne Storm- currently third
Perennial top four finishers Melbourne are once again looking to seal a spot in the top half of the eight.
Having been disturbed throughout the Origin period with the absence of the ‘Big 3’, the Storm will be looking to regroup over the next few weeks and build some momentum ahead of the finals.
Predicted Finish after R26: Top 4
Manly Sea Eagles- currently fourth
Following a worrying mid-season slump, Manly have been immaculate in the past few rounds, winning their past three convincingly.
If injuries avoid the club, their solid run-in should see them maintain their spot in the top four.
Predicted Finish after R26: Top 4
Top eight hopefuls: Newcastle Knights- currently fifth
Similarly to Manly, Newcastle battled through the middle part of the season, but their prospects in 2013 are looking brighter week-by-week following some great wins.
Key games such as this Sunday’s blockbuster at home to the Roosters will decide the Knights fate come season’s end.
Predicted Finish after R26: fifth-8th
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs- currently sixth
The Bulldogs have threatened to recapture last season’s form in 2013 but have been unable to for large parts of the season.
This is why they find themselves battling for a top eight spot. A generous run-in to the finals should see them home, but improvement is necessary if they want to make an impact.
Predicted Finish after R26: fifth-8th
Cronulla Sharks- Currently seventh
A season disrupted by ASADA investigation and injury sees the Sharks in a lower position than their roster suggests they should be.
The continued absence of captain Paul Gallen, among other casualties in the squad could play havoc with the side’s tilt at a finals appearance. A Round 26 match against Canberra may be pivotal.
Predicted Finish after R26: fifth-8th
Canberra Raiders- currently eighth
Canberra’s incredible home record has allowed them to remain competitive in season 2013.
The side finishes it’s campaign with more home games than away games which may mean they will squeeze into the top eight, but their form on the road must improve if they want to be assured of playing finals football.
Predicted Finish after R26: fifth-8th
Penrith Panthers- currently ninth
The over-achievers of 2013 have had a great season thus far and performed well above expectations.
Perhaps a lack of individual class in the side may hamper their efforts to make the eight, but they have proven everyone wrong already so they cannot be discounted.
Predicted Finish after R26: ninth-10th
Gold Coast Titans- Currently 10th
Having performed exceedingly well for the first half of the season, the Titans appear to be floundering on the back of three straight losses and the injury to centre Jamal Idris.
A very tough run in may see them struggle to regain their spot in the top eight
Predicted Finish after R26: 11th-12th
New Zealand Warriors- currently 11th
After losing 62-6 in Round 10, the Warriors’ season looked to be on life support. But an incredible run of form has seen the side storm back into top eight contention.
A handy run-in could see the side sneak into the finals if they can continue to play quality football and not slip into the form which saw them down the bottom of the ladder earlier in the year.
Predicted Finish after R26: ninth-10th
It would take a miracle for: Brisbane Broncos- currently 12th
Having under-performed throughout the duration of the season, the Broncos’ chances of making anything of the season look gone as they require six wins from their remaining seven games to even have a chance of playing finals footy.
A lack of strike power in the halves may see this task too difficult.
Predicted finish after R26: 13th-15th
North Queensland Cowboys- currently 13th
Despite boasting one of the best squads in the competition, 2013 has been an awful season for the Cowboys.
A favourable run-in gives them the slightest of chances of making the finals, but surely they have given themselves too much work to do.
Predicted Finish after R26: 11th-12th
St George Illawarra Dragons- currently 14th
A season that never really promised a great deal has produced very little. The release of play maker Jamie Soward did not assist them in improving their listless attack.
A great win against Souths last round showed that there is still life in the Dragons, but the task to make the finals is just too great.
Predicted Finish after R26: 13th-15th
Wests Tigers- currently 15th
Following a tumultuous 2012 season, the Tigers have never really figured in 2013.
Off-fields dramas continue to plague the joint venture, with on-field performances not providing fans with much more confidence. Six wins from seven games looks highly unlikely.
Predicted Finish after R26: 13th-15th
Wooden Spoon: Parramatta Eels- Currently 16th
The appointment of Ricky Stuart has not helped the Eels gain any success in 2013.
Eight straight losses has left Parramatta six points adrift at the bottom of the ladder and with very little promise being shown by the club, it looks as if they will remain in last position.
Predicted Finish after R26: 16th
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