The NRL is reaching the pointy end of the season, as things begin to heat up and teams look to solidify their place in the finals.
The reigning premiers will be attempting to win back-to-back premierships, whilst other clubs fancy their chances to become the new champion.
Here are my top three teams who could knock off Penrith, listed from 3-1 (least likely to most likely).
3. Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are delivering a historic turnaround season, as they’re currently sitting in fourth on the NRL standings, after finishing in the bottom three in the past two seasons.
Brisbane are playing outstanding footy and they officially have launched their premiership bid after dominating the Parramatta Eels last Thursday night.
The Broncos have lost just two of their past 12 matches, which shows they’re very consistent.
Adam Reynolds has led me to believe that he is certainly the signing of the year and has made not just himself better, but others around him as well. Souths are missing a big piece and the Broncos have finally found themselves a high-quality halfback.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The two games they recently lost were at the hands of the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys. Those clubs are both very high quality and will pose a threat during finals time, although that’s no excuse, given it’s likely Brisbane will have to play both those sides if they want to make a deep finals run.
2. North Queensland Cowboys
Despite having the benefit of the doubt against a proclaimed ‘robbed’ Tigers, North Queensland are another Queensland team who are thriving and have made unbelievable improvements.
The Cowboys have been the most impressive and improving team throughout the season and continue to put on an exhilarating show for their fans each week.
Many players were also featured in this year’s State of Origin series and had a major impact on the result. It’s incredible how far this team full of young guns has come. The player development and club management need to give themselves a good pat on the back.
The Cowboys are currently the team sitting closest to Penrith on the ladder, however they were left scoreless against the reigning premiers earlier in the season.
I believe they’ve improved since then and will find themselves deep in the hunt for a premiership.
1. South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs were a sideline conversion away from sending the most recent grand final into extra time.
The first half of this season didn’t meet the expectations set for Souths, as they were sitting in eighth spot on the ladder and held a .500 record after 12 rounds. Since then, Souths have lost just one of their past seven matches and are arguably the most in-form team in the competition at the moment.
Latrell Mitchell is adding the 2021 Tom Trbojevic effect on the Rabbitohs, as they’ve displayed their best performances of the year after the fullback returned to the side.
Latrell is mesmerising to watch and he’s one of those players who apply full effort in every game situation and sometimes that’s the type of individual a club needs to help get their season back on track.
The Bunnies have an enticing test against Cronulla on Saturday and a win can give them a massive confidence boost, heading into the final stretch of the season and of course finals time.
It will be very hard for anyone to beat Penrith, especially in September, although if there’s any team that can do it, it’s Souths.
They can change the game in an instant, and I believe they can flick a switch and put Penrith on the back foot. The Bunnies may not finish in the top four, however, another grand final appearance is on the cards.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Wow, still can't shake the woulda, coulda, shoulda, didn'ts. It's like you're satisfied that Souths did actually win the comp, just that Latrell couldn't be there. Totally delusional.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Reyno v Rabbitohs. So hoping they play a final.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The team that finishes first has a fair record though.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Souths main problem ATM is their defence. They can score points but put themselves under a lot of pressure by letting in too many tries
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The winner of the last two comps finished 2nd.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Souths can do it. Last year's GF defeat by 2 points will put them in the right mindset also noting Souths had beaten Panthers 2 weeks earlier in SF 1. So they believe they can. They have lost one, now need to win one. Most pundits would agree that if Latrell Mitchell was playing in the GF, they would have been 2021 Premiers. In 2022, I expect the senior players will stand up - Mitchell-Walker-Cook-T. Burgess -Arrow. The team is playing with confidence and having fun, the last 10 weeks have just shown how players like Koloamatagi. Illias, Jaxton Paulo have risen in stature. They are all much better than were they were 4 months ago and getting better in each game. Don't underestimate the impact of Kodi Nikorima who only joined the team a month back, he is looking better and more dangerous in each game. With Campbell Graham back before finals, Alex Johnston breaking all try scoring records, and Latrell at his best it's a good bet that Cam Murray will fire his team deep into the finals. and take the prize.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Hi The Sporacle. Lol yeah it does make it tough to judge, the ‘hot and cold’ team. Eels had some near boiling Temperature and some definite near freezing point. Where does it really put the teams that have been more consistent, above room temperature and pretty warm and hot but not near boiling (beating premiers). Are many expecting/hoping Panthers play ordinary giving a team has a chance.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Injury to Cleary is the only real threat.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Haha I know I did :thumbup:
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
How come no one is mentioning the Melbourne Light Breeze? I was assured it was a two horse race not long ago.
Nat
Roar Guru
Anyone of them, or others, have a chance. Quite often we see the most dominant team come unstuck on that one day.
Nat
Roar Guru
Under the radar? How many scribes had them top 4 before a ball was kicked? I’m happy for Fitzy that it has turned out well because that was crazy pressure on a rookie coach.
RLFan
Roar Rookie
I feel that a fit Penrith team are odds on favourites to win the comp., but injuries have always played a big part when it comes to the big one, and Covid adds to the uncertainty. However it is good to see some new teams in the mix, it makes for a welcome change. I would love to think that after so many lean years, that the Bulldogs will be up there somewhere next year. One can only hope.
TJ
Guest
Not sure the Cowboys will have what it takes. Their form in recent weeks hasn't been great and their draw has a lot to do with where they are on the ladder. The Broncos could go close but might be another year away from toppling Penrith. I think the Sharks, Bunnies and maybe even the Roosters (if they get there) have a better chance but I still expect Penrith to be too strong. I can't see Melbourne turning it around either. They just don't seem to have the depth this year and can't catch a break injury wise. That leaves Parramatta who I still believe are Penrith's biggest threat. Their recent form is a bit concerning but they were in worse form last year and turned it around once the finals begun. It will be interesting to see if they can turn it around this week against Penrith? Should be a great finish to the season!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Let us stay under the radar please guys :stoked:
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Good honest assessment jimmmy - very lucky to get out of gaol last week against a bottom two team - who played very well mind you. This might be a bit of a flat spot - its a long season - always time to pick it up later leading into the finals series
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Yeah - strange omission - given their run home I can see the Sharks possibly finishing second by season's end - with potentially two home finals - and they took it to Penrith for a large chunk of last week's game
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Plus not sure you can leave out the Sharks.High energy, good structures and much better defence recently. At their best they are a sluggers chance.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I would love to think the Cows have a remote shot at the title but our last 4 weeks has been very poor. Really , we need to completely regain our defensive resolve if we are to have any hope of finals success.. Cotter back is huge but that's not gonna fix It all .
Tom G
Roar Rookie
There is nowhere near the consistency from any of those teams mentioned to match it with Penrith. I’m convinced they’re going back to back