The NRL’s top-four race is officially on with eight games over the next six weeks to decide the most crucial section of the ladder.
Parramatta’s clash with Sydney Roosters on Thursday night headlines the run to the finals, with those two teams and Manly battling for fourth spot.
Melbourne and Penrith look set to finish in the top two, while South Sydney are likely to finish third unless one of the two sides above them stumbles dramatically.
But fourth spot remains vital, with no team having come from outside the four to win the premiership in the NRL era.
Heading into Thursday’s clash, Parramatta (28) sit two points clear of the Roosters (26), while Manly are one win further back on 24.
But the Eels have the hardest run home of all teams, with games against the rest of the top five.
The injury-ravaged Roosters’ draw is also challenging with clashes against the Eels, Panthers and Rabbitohs, while Manly have Parramatta and Melbourne on the run home.
“We’ve put ourselves in the position and it’s up to us now to finish in the top four,” Eels coach Brad Arthur said.
“It would be nice to finish in the top four.
“There won’t be a home ground advantage if we stay in Queensland but you at least get two cracks.
“But we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then. We can’t be really concerned about that.
“Except that whatever we get come finals time will be on the back of what we do now. It’s all in our own hands.”
The “reward” for whoever finishes fourth would be a date with the eventual minor premiers to start the finals.
However, it would result in a second chance with a loss, while an upset win would catapult them into a preliminary final.
Meanwhile, the Roosters need to overturn their recent run against the top sides to topple Parramatta, having not beaten one of the top-six since their wretched injury run began in late March.
“There is opportunity when it comes to ladder and position,” coach Trent Robinson said.
“But all that matters for us is Thursday.
“If you watch the game you would understand we’re looking for continuity in how we want to play. The rewards will come if we play well enough”
NRL’S TOP-FOUR RACE AND KEY GAMES
4. Parramatta – 28 points
5. Sydney Roosters – 26 points
6. Manly – 24 points
ROUND 20
Roosters v Eels
ROUND 21
Eels v Rabbitohs
Roosters v Panthers
Sea Eagles v Storm
ROUND 22
Sea Eagles v Eels
ROUND 24
Roosters v Rabbitohs
Storm v Eels
ROUND 25
Eels v Panthers.
kk
Roar Pro
1. Storm 2. Panthers 3.) Souths 4.) Easts or Manly. 6-8 Parra/ Raiders/ Sharks. Can TPJ stop 2021 becoming a Storm professional processional? Can Latrell do three players jobs? (and only get paid for two) Can the Manly 'others' rise to a new level and sustain it? Will Easts players give a hand to Teddy and Jared and Victor? The Storm are lookin' good.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Eels have had their last win this year and will not make the top 4
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
What's become of the ''boring and predictable'' season which us miserable punters had to endure? Deep into the season , the top two , four and eight is undecided and speculation is growing that there may be more than two horses in the race. The Raiders looked no chance of making the 8 a few weeks back and with a spine including Frawley, Williams and Rapana they have shown that it wasn't the rules stopping them from winning or competing, it was a poor attitude. I've always said I was looking forward to the season unfolding and nothing has changed my mind since. It won't hurt if the Storm go a bit wobbly either. They didn't looked so relaxed with the Cows getting stuck into them.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Dutski – I love your confidence in me thinking I would be so audacious to say that, but I do like you’re first comment :thumbup: no need to face palm :stoked: BTW I would not write the roosters off for a top 4 finish.
Walter Black
Guest
Penrith seem to suffer more when key personel are missing. They just don't seem to have the same coherence without Cleary et al. The good news for the Panthers is that it is better to suffer now than in the finals but I would not be surprised to see Souths in the top 2
Dutski
Roar Guru
Sorry - that would be after playing Melbourne. I should learn to read *facepalm*
Dutski
Roar Guru
I love the confidence that Penrith will be injury ravaged after playing Souths! :shocked: :shocked: :laughing:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
“Melbourne and Penrith look set to finish in the top two” ? Would be too cocky about Penrith finishing 2nd? They play Melbourne this week, most likely a loss, which will put them on equal points with Souths. Then injury ravaged, they’ve got the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Eels. And a Tigers outfit that would love nothing more than to beat the panthers again! Based on their performances in the last month, you could well expect another slip up. 1. Storm; 2. Rabbitohs; 3. Panthers; and 4. Roosters.