As the NRL season approaches its climax, the race for the top eight intensifies, with several pivotal matchups set to determine the playoff picture. This week's games feature teams battling for crucial positions on the ladder, from the Storm resting key players as they prepare for the finals, to the Warriors seeking to give Shaun Johnson a fitting farewell in his final game. Each contest carries significant implications, whether it's the Bulldogs aiming to break into the top four, the Broncos and Dolphins fighting for their playoff lives in the Brisbane derby, or the Raiders looking to build on their momentum against the high-flying Roosters. Here's a closer look at the matchups and predictions for the upcoming round.
North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm:
With the minor premiership secured, the Storm are likely to rest key players Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant for their upcoming match against the Cowboys, as coach Craig Bellamy prepares for the finals. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, who have already secured a finals spot, are aiming to make a strong statement in their last home games of the regular season, boosted by the return of Jeremiah Nanai and Jason Taumalolo. Having won only six of 11 home games this season, the Cowboys are eager to deliver a powerful performance for their fans ahead of a potential elimination final. I’m tipping the Cowboys by 12 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles:
Fifth meets seventh at Accor Stadium on Friday night as the Bulldogs, riding a five-game winning streak, having secured their first finals appearance since 2016 and look to potentially climb into the top four. Despite a season-ending injury to Kurt Mann and the suspension of captain Stephen Crichton, coach Cameron Ciraldo has options to cover these gaps. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles, reeling from a shock loss to Wests Tigers, aim to bounce back as they prepare for their first finals campaign since 2021, boosted by the return of Tommy Talau. However, their defensive lapses will need to be addressed to avoid another defeat against a Bulldogs team that boasts a perfect 10-0 home record this season. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 6 points.
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
After suffering consecutive losses for the first time since early last year, the Panthers are determined to get back on track against a struggling Rabbitohs side. The defeat to Canberra dropped the reigning premiers to fourth on the ladder, putting their top-four spot at risk with the Bulldogs barking close behind. With star player Nathan Cleary sidelined until the finals, the Panthers are looking to Jarome Luai and Brad Schneider to reignite their attack. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs, who have lost six of their last seven matches, have dropped to near the bottom of the ladder, marking a sharp decline for a team that was a consistent finals contender. Although Cody Walker's return from concussion offers some hope, the Rabbitohs seem to be limping to the end of the season, anticipating a new era under Wayne Bennett in 2025. I’m tipping Penrith by 16 points.
Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The Dragons missed a key chance to secure a spot in the top eight with a home loss to the Sharks and must now avoid complacency against an Eels team that has shown resilience in recent matches. With a two-point lead over their competitors and games against the Eels and Raiders remaining, the Dragons are still in a strong position to claim eighth place, but another misstep could be costly. The Eels, who have pushed both the Panthers and Broncos in recent rounds, are determined to end their season on a high, with their final game against the Tigers deciding the wooden spoon. For the Dragons, the path is clear: win their last two games and secure their first finals appearance since 2018, a goal that should drive them to finish the season strong. I’m tipping the Dragons by 4 points.
Top-eight hopes are on the line as the Dolphins and Broncos clash in the fourth Brisbane derby, with both teams locked on 26 points, just two points behind the eighth-placed Dragons. The Broncos hold a slight edge in ninth place due to their superior points differential, but with four teams tied on points, Saturday's derby is likely to be a season-decider for the loser. The Broncos have revived their playoff chances with a recent win over the Eels, while the Dolphins have struggled, winning just three of their last 12 games, a slump exacerbated by the absence of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King. His potential return this weekend could be crucial for the Dolphins, while the Broncos are also hoping for the returns of key players Reece Walsh and Payne Haas in the coming weeks. I’m tipping the Broncos by 6 points.
Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors:
The Cronulla Sharks aim to solidify their top-four position as they face the Warriors, who are determined to give retiring halfback Shaun Johnson a memorable send-off in his final game. With a recent win over the Dragons, the Sharks moved into third place, tied on 36 points with the Roosters and Panthers, and are targeting a top-two finish to secure a home final. After overcoming a mid-season slump with four consecutive victories, Cronulla is set to welcome back key players, including halfback Nicho Hynes, for the clash at PointsBet Stadium. Despite the Sharks being favorites, the Warriors, in their last game of the season, are motivated to honor Johnson's 267-game career, especially in a fitting matchup against his former club, Cronulla. I’m tipping the Warriors by 10 points.
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans:
With the Knights still in the hunt for a top-eight spot, their upcoming match against the Titans is crucial. Newcastle rebounded from a narrow loss to the Sharks with a dominant win over the Rabbitohs, led by standout performances from skipper Kalyn Ponga and veteran Dane Gagai. However, the Knights may be without key forwards Tyson Frizell and Kai Pearce-Paul due to injuries. On the other side, Titans coach Des Hasler expressed disappointment after a heavy loss to the Roosters but remains optimistic about ending the season on a high note. Despite defensive struggles, the Titans have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly through star winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira, who set a new club record with 23 tries this season. AJ Brimson is expected to return after an early exit against the Roosters due to a groin injury however I don’t expect that to be enough to get them over the line. I’m tipping Newcastle by 8 points.
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders:
After upsetting the Panthers last week, the Raiders are aiming for another big win as they face the in-form Roosters. Canberra secured a gritty 22-18 victory in captain Elliott Whitehead's farewell home game but will need to reset emotionally to achieve another upset. The Roosters, who are now second on the ladder after a 48-22 win over the Titans, are focused on improving their defense, despite their strong offensive showing. They will be without veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who faces a three-match ban for a high shot, but are hopeful that Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i will recover from a shoulder injury in time to play. Additionally, the Roosters may see the return of Connor Watson (concussion protocols) and Brandon Smith (calf), while the Raiders could welcome back Ethan Strange from a calf issue. I’m tipping Canberra by 4 points.
As the NRL regular season nears its conclusion, every game carries immense weight, with teams either solidifying their finals positions or fighting desperately to keep their playoff hopes alive. The upcoming round features high-stakes clashes across the board, from the top-four battles involving the Storm, Sharks, and Roosters, to the do-or-die matchups for the Broncos, Dolphins, and Knights. With a mix of seasoned contenders and emerging threats, this round promises to be decisive in shaping the final standings, setting the stage for what should be an electrifying postseason. Fans can expect intense competition, standout performances, and perhaps a few surprises as teams give it their all to secure their place in the finals; so make sure you get into Jersey’s Megastore to get all the latest 2024 officially licensed NRL merchandise and wear your colours with pride. Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!
