As the NRL season reaches its climax, teams are battling fiercely for crucial wins that could determine their finals fate or secure key milestones. From the Wests Tigers' bid to avoid the wooden spoon to the Dragons' quest for their first finals appearance since 2018, each match this round holds significant importance. The Titans celebrate Kieran Foran's 300th game while clinging to slim finals hopes, and the Rabbitohs and Knights look to bounce back from narrow losses. Meanwhile, the high-stakes clashes continue as the Roosters, Sharks, and Storm strive to strengthen their positions in the top four, setting the stage for an intense weekend of rugby league action.
Wests Tigers v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles:
The Wests Tigers' recent win over the Rabbitohs has given them a slim chance of avoiding a third consecutive wooden spoon, but they face a tough challenge against a strong Sea Eagles team this Thursday. Led by young players Lachlan Galvin and Heath Mason, the Tigers are now just two points behind Parramatta. If they manage an upset against the Sea Eagles, they will gain two points from a bye in Round 26 before potentially facing Parramatta in a crucial final-round match. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles are coming off a solid win over the Warriors, which kept them in sixth place, and they are preparing for upcoming key games against the Bulldogs and Sharks as they gear up for their first finals appearance since 2021. Despite injuries to players Tommy Talau and Gordon Chan Kum Tong, coach Anthony Seibold has indicated that neither injury is serious. I’m tipping the Sea Eagles by 12 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
As the Warriors approach the end of a disappointing season, they have the opportunity to celebrate a special moment with their fans on Friday as Shaun Johnson plays his final game at Go Media Stadium, renamed in his honour for the occasion. Despite the club's early exit from finals contention after a series of losses, Johnson will make his 223rd appearance for the Warriors, aiming to end his NRL career on a positive note. Injuries and a sharp decline in form have marked a tough season for the Warriors, who had been close to the top eight midway through the season. In contrast, the Bulldogs have surged with six wins from their last seven games, now eyeing a top-four finish and a strong run in the finals after years of missing out. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 8 points.
Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels:
The Eels, with eight losses in their past nine matches, are fighting to avoid their first wooden spoon since 2018, while last year's grand finalists, the Brisbane Broncos, have also struggled this season. Despite entering 2024 with high expectations, the Broncos suffered early defeats to the Roosters, Panthers, and Storm, and have battled with inconsistency. Recent injuries to key players Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Ezra Mam have made it even harder for the Broncos to regain form. As they face the Eels at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos are expected to secure a win against an injury-hit Eels team missing star halfback Mitch Moses and forward Junior Paulo. Eels' captain Clint Gutherson will look to inspire his team to a sixth win of the season to avoid slipping below the last-placed Wests Tigers. I’m tipping the Broncos by 7 points.
Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers:
After a disappointing performance in Townsville that ended their finals hopes, the Raiders must regroup to face a Panthers team eager to bounce back. The Raiders, who were just one game outside the top eight entering Round 24, struggled as they conceded seven tries to the Cowboys, marking their third consecutive loss. With a tough schedule ahead, including games against the Panthers, Roosters, and Dragons, only one of which is at home, the Raiders face an uphill battle. The Panthers, meanwhile, are dealing with the loss of Nathan Cleary to a shoulder injury, but they have consistently shown resilience. Although their chances for a minor premiership seem slim, the Panthers are focused on securing a home final in week one of the play-offs. With Cleary out until the play-offs, five-eighth Jarome Luai will take on the leadership role, guiding the team as they aim for a fourth consecutive premiership. I’m tipping Penrith by 16 points.
The Dolphins have slipped out of the top eight after a loss to the Bulldogs and now face a tough challenge to regain their finals hopes with a win against the high-flying Storm. Melbourne, fresh off a victory over the Panthers that puts them close to securing the minor premiership, will be keen to avoid any missteps before the finals. Cameron Munster, back to his best after a groin injury, played a key role in the win, and the Storm may see the return of Christian Welch and Xavier Coates from injury for this match. For the Dolphins, the focus is clear: win their remaining three games after their second-half struggles against the Bulldogs, where they failed to score and conceded two tries. On a positive note, the Dolphins hope to have Mark Nicholls back from concussion protocols, and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King could return after a foot injury. I’m tipping Melbourne by 14 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights:
The Rabbitohs and Knights, both coming off narrow losses last round, will be looking to move past their disappointments and finish their seasons on a positive note when they face each other. The Rabbitohs were defeated by the Wests Tigers in a match marred by controversy, including the loss of five-eighth Cody Walker to a failed HIA, which sidelines him for this week. Additionally, centre Richie Kennar is facing a suspension for a high tackle, with his fate to be decided after a judiciary hearing. The Rabbitohs may see the return of Tyrone Munro from a collarbone injury. Meanwhile, the Knights suffered a golden point loss to the Sharks, with a field goal sealing their 19-18 defeat. They lost Tyson Gamble to a broken hand, ruling him out for at least one game. The Knights remain hopeful for a postseason appearance and could be bolstered by the returns of Dylan Lucas from a hamstring injury and potentially Bradman Best earlier than expected. I’m tipping Newcastle by 6 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters:
The Gold Coast Titans will celebrate Kieran Foran's 300th NRL game as they fight to keep their slim finals hopes alive against the Roosters on Sunday. Foran reached this milestone in last week's loss to the Dragons, and the club plans to honour the occasion in his return to the Gold Coast. A win is crucial for the Titans, who sit six points outside the top eight and must win their remaining games while hoping other results go their way to secure a finals spot. The Titans will be boosted by the return of Mo Fotuaika from suspension, with Beau Fermor and Harley Smith-Shields also in contention to return from injury. For the Roosters, the focus is on securing a top-four finish, as they currently sit third, just two points behind second-placed Penrith and level with Cronulla. Although coach Trent Robinson has downplayed the importance of a top-four spot, it would greatly enhance their premiership chances. The Roosters will welcome back Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Michael Jennings from suspension, while Nat Butcher, who missed last week's win over Parramatta due to a rib injury, hopes to be fit for Sunday's game. I’m tipping the Roosters by 16 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks:
The Dragons aim to secure their spot in the top eight as they host local rivals Cronulla at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a match that precedes an NRLW clash between the two teams. This will be the Dragons' final game of the season in Wollongong, and they are eager to end on a high note. After climbing back into the top eight with a 32-16 win over the Titans, a victory this weekend would bring them closer to their first finals appearance since 2018. The stakes are equally high for Cronulla, who are fighting to stay in the top four and fend off the Bulldogs. The Sharks narrowly defeated the Knights in golden point last weekend, maintaining a two-point lead over Canterbury and staying level on points with the third-placed Roosters. Cronulla is expected to welcome back halfback Braydon Trindall after a two-week absence due to a hamstring injury. For the Dragons, Jack Bird will need to deliver another strong performance at five-eighth, filling in for the suspended Kyle Flanagan, if they hope to overcome the Sharks. I’m tipping Cronulla by 4 points.
As the NRL season edges closer to the finals, every game is filled with drama and excitement, with teams fighting to secure their spots or finish the season on a high. Whether it's the Wests Tigers battling to avoid the wooden spoon, the Sharks pushing for a top-four finish, or the Dragons aiming for a return to the finals, the stakes couldn't be higher. For fans gearing up for the final rounds and beyond, make sure you’re game-day ready with gear from Jerseys Megastore—your one-stop shop for all things Footy.
