With the NRL finals series fast approaching, the clubs only got one hurdle left to jump before the top eight is decided and the rest of the clubs are consigned to another Mad Monday celebration.
But before we star complaining about that, there are so many permutations this weekend that it’s worth putting in some time figuring out who can still make the eight, and what all the possibilities are out of the games.
Game-by-game we’ll break it down each week, giving you the inside word on what’s going to be happening this week in footy.
This week, there are five games that really matter.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Allianz Stadium, Thursday 4 September @ 7:45pm AEST
This game could decide the minor premiership. Or not. Basically, that all depends on whether a faltering Manly side beat the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.
But even if that happens, this game will decide a top two spot, with the winner getting the opportunity to take a week off in the first week of the finals.
Both teams will be itching for that, and with both in hot form, it’s a must watch for Thursday night.
The Rabbitohs have lost half Adam Reynolds while the Roosters are without Jake Friend with a haemothorax, so these losses should mean the teams have a relatively even footing when taking the field.
Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos – AAMI Park, Friday 5 September @ 7:45pm AEST
Melbourne are playing for a top four spot, as well as a spot in the finals. Go figure how that works!
Brisbane, on the other hand, more or less need a win to stay alive. If they win, they’re pretty safe. If they lose, they’re in serious trouble, needing the Eels and Warriors to lose (they have a +7 points differential over the New Zealand side) to stay in their current eighth position.
With Sam Thaiday out, it’s a big ask for the Broncos. The Storm would fancy themselves to take a higher spot on the ladder with a win.
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels – Canberra Stadium, Saturday 6 September @ 5:30pm AEST
This game might slip under the radar for a few people, but it promises to be very important for the Eels, the Broncos and the Warriors.
If Canberra win, Parramatta are stuffed. Gone. Caput.
If either the Warriors or the Broncos win, the Eels are still done for the year, due to their comparatively awful points differential.
But if both teams lose, and the Eels win, then they can sneak into the finals in eighth spot, and turn what has been a pretty good year for the blue and gold into a strong pass mark.
You just never know in rugby league.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – 1300SMILES Stadium, Saturday 6 September @ 7:30pm AEST
For Manly, it’s simple – win and you’ve got top spot. It’s made slightly more complex by the fact that Matt Ballin and Jamie Buhrer are both out of the team this week, and Jayden Hodges will be at hooker.
Also complicating matters is the fact that the Cowboys could be playing for a spot in the top four if they win. They also happen to be in red hot form, where the Sea Eagles have been a little up and down of late, with their famed defence losing some if its starch.
The Cows can’t slip out of the top eight, but will be itching for a spot in the top half of the final eight.
It promises to be just another belter in a chock-a-block weekend.
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – Centrebet Stadium, Sunday 7 September @ 7:00pm AEST
The final game that has serious consequences for the finals race also happens to be the final game of the season.
Penrith have a top four spot at stake, while the Warriors are looking to move from ninth into that coveted top eight spot, leapfrogging the Broncos.
Again, a relatively simple equation, if the Warriors can win, and make up their points differential of seven over the Broncos (either by winning by eight points or more if the Broncos win, or if the Broncos lose). Also, if they lose by eight points less than the Broncos lose by, and the Eels also lose, then they’ll slip in as well. Got all that?
If Penrith win, they more or less guarantee themselves a top four spot. Super simple.
So there it is Roarers. What are your predictions? What do you think the make-up of the top eight will be?
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