Five NRL headlines we will see by the end of 2017

Bold predictions, extrapolations of what we’re seeing as 2016 rolls on, or something else? You decide!

1. Broncos barrelled out in first week of NRL finals
The Broncos have looked flat ever since the State of Origin series began. With plenty of personnel playing a part, there looks to be some serious burnout in the Broncos ranks.

Heavy favourites this week against the Panthers after beating the Rabbitohs last week, they fell to a 19 point loss, the biggest Panthers win of the season.

» The Roar’s complete guide to the 2016 NRL Finals

Their form is reminiscent of the Rabbitohs at the end of last season. They looked slow and bereft of ideas, guilty of trying to take the easy option too many times, and prone to errors.

While they are still in touch with the top four there are teams with legitimate claims around them in the Raiders and Bulldogs.

Should they fail to secure a top four berth, even with a possible home final, their season will end in week one.

2. Griffin has the last laugh as Panthers push deep into the finals

Anthony Griffin has been under pressure since the time he set foot in Penrith. He has been charged with getting a youthful Panthers side into the finals with many questing the decision to appoint him.

He’s overseen the departure of Elijah Taylor, James Segeyaro, and Jamie Soward, as well as the debut of half a dozen players, the most prolific being Nathan Cleary.

While the Panthers have been inconsistent this year they took their first steps to maturity on Friday against the Broncos. If the Panthers can get their defence going and play for the full 80 they could be this years dark horses and push deep into the finals.

3. ‘Mary’ McGregor and ‘Cappy’ McFadden will be lucky to make it to 2017

It’s the article you could write right now, but the picture will become clearer in the run home. The Dragons will not make the finals this season as they struggle with a tough draw as well as an attack that is better only than the inexperienced Knights.

McFadden’s Warriors, on the other hand, are an outside chance at finals football if he can get his side to play to their full potential. Two one point losses against the Sharks and Sea Eagles in recent weeks has hurt their chances but they remain in the hunt with a softer draw.

Whether either is shown the door will have much to do with the money situation, both are unlikely to be keen to pay them out but it is a results driven business and the results are not there in either case.

McFadden in particular had a team that many thought would make the top four this year.

4. Titans show grit to reach finals for the first time since 2010
The Titans have been tenacious all year in remaining in touch with the top eight. While they had some tough games early on, they have always been competitive and worked hard for each other this season.

It has been a long time between drinks for Titans fans but that wait could be over if their team can stay healthy and keep playing the kind of football that has got them within striking distance in the first place.

With tough games against the Sharks and Cowboys still to come, if they make it they will have certainly earned it.

5. Sharks celebrate 50 years with maiden NRL premiership
The Rabbitohs first in more than 40 years in 2014. The Cowboys maiden title in 2015. The Sharks celebrating their 50th with their first in 2016. It is a procession of fairy-tale premierships for the NRL.

The Sharks are in the box seat to do so on a record winning run for their club. With a great blend of youth and experience their closest rivals look to be the Melbourne Storm who are just two points behind.

The two will face off in Round 26 at AAMI park in what will be an absolute block buster. Whoever wins that one will get a massive shot of confidence before the finals where it is likely the two will meet again, maybe for the biggest prize of all.