As the NRL season reaches its thrilling conclusion, Round 27 promises to be a decisive week for teams fighting for crucial positions in the top eight and the last spot in the finals. With intense matchups on the horizon, every game carries significant implications, from the battle for eighth place between the Newcastle Knights and Dolphins, to the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels battling it out in the Spoon Bowl. Key injuries, momentum swings, and the potential for upsets make this round a must-watch as clubs vie for their final standings and prepare for the playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of the critical clashes and predictions for what promises to be an electrifying weekend of rugby league.
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm:
In Round 27 of the NRL, the usual intensity of the rivalry between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm will be notably subdued. Last year's grand finalists, the Broncos, are out of finals contention after a disappointing 40-6 loss to the Dolphins, capping off a tough season filled with regrets. In contrast, the Storm, who rested 11 regular players ahead of the finals, remain strong despite a loss in Townsville. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen sustained an injury and will miss the upcoming game, allowing Sua Faalogo to step in. Historically, the Storm have dominated the Broncos, holding a 41-14 advantage in their head-to-head record, making their visit to Suncorp Stadium less daunting. I’m tipping the Storm by 26 points.
Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels:
Friday night's clash between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels at Campbelltown Sports Stadium will determine who finishes last, with the winner avoiding the wooden spoon. The Tigers are at risk of a third consecutive wooden spoon despite recent successes, including a win over Manly and a bye. Meanwhile, the Eels have had a strong month, with wins over the Warriors and Dragons and a close loss to Penrith. The Tigers hope to leverage their momentum and home advantage, while the Eels aim to avoid their first last-place finish since 2018. I’m tipping the Tigers by 4 points.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters:
The Roosters face a challenging week after a tough loss at Allianz Stadium, which not only cost them second place on the ladder but also resulted in season-ending knee injuries for key players Sam Walker and Brandon Smith. With forwards Victor Radley and Nat Butcher also set to miss the upcoming match against arch-rivals the Rabbitohs, the Roosters are scrambling to rebuild their lineup before the finals. Despite a dismal season that saw the Rabbitohs suffer multiple injuries and off-field issues, they would relish the chance to upset the Roosters, especially after their heavy defeat to them earlier in the season. I’m tipping the Rabbitohs by 8 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders:
For the Dragons and Raiders, the 2024 season ends with a bittersweet sense of "so near yet so far," as the winner of their upcoming match will miss the top eight solely on points differential. The Dragons squandered their finals hopes with consecutive losses to the Sharks and Eels, while the Raiders showed resilience by defeating the Roosters but still fall short of the playoffs. The only slim chance for either team to reach eighth place would require a draw between the Knights and Dolphins on Sunday. The Raiders face additional challenges, missing Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana, while the Dragons welcome back Jacob Liddle. Despite missing the finals, the Dragons can take pride in their significant improvement from 16th place in 2023, highlighted by victories over top teams like the Panthers, Storm, and Sea Eagles. I’m tipping the Dragons by 13 points.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys:
The Bulldogs' five-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt last round with a loss to Manly, where errors proved costly despite a strong start. They are eager to regain momentum as they host the Cowboys, who narrowly defeated a weakened Storm side, thanks to key performances from Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, and departing winger Kyle Feldt. This week, the Bulldogs will see the return of captain Stephen Crichton, but they will be without centre Bronson Xerri due to suspension. Both teams are heading into the finals and will be looking to secure a win, which would also guarantee hosting rights for the first week of the playoffs. I’m tipping the Dogs by 14 points.
Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans:
The Titans face a challenging end to their season with a tough away game against the Panthers, hoping to pull off an upset and finish a difficult year on a high note. Despite showing promise in their last match against the Knights, the Titans' defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, allowing three quick tries that put them on the back foot. The Panthers, meanwhile, secured a comfortable win over the Rabbitohs but are looking to tighten up their game ahead of the finals, especially after recent back-to-back losses. The Titans have been hit hard by injuries but hope to have Keano Kini and Phillip Sami return, while the Panthers could welcome back Scott Sorensen and Jesse McLean, though Nathan Cleary remains sidelined until the finals. I’m tipping the Panthers by 18 points.
Manly Sea Eagles v Cronulla Sharks:
Top-eight positions are at stake as Manly hosts the Sharks at 4 Pines Park on Sunday. For the Sea Eagles, the goal is clear: defeat Cronulla to secure a home final in the first week of the playoffs. Depending on the outcome of the Bulldogs-Cowboys match, Manly is likely to finish sixth, facing the loser of that game in a sudden-death elimination final. However, if the Bulldogs and Cowboys draw, Manly could rise to fifth. The Sharks have a more complex situation as they fight for a top-four spot. A win could see them finish as high as second, ensuring a home final, but this depends on the results of earlier matches involving Penrith and the Roosters. If the Sharks lose and the Bulldogs win with a 68-point margin, the Sharks could drop to fifth. Both teams enter the match in contrasting form: Manly is buoyed by a win over the Bulldogs but will miss key players Jason Saab and Tom Trbojevic due to injuries. Meanwhile, the Sharks are recovering from a last-minute loss to the Warriors but will be boosted by the return of Sifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Jesse Ramien. I’m tipping the Sea Eagles by 18 points.
The Knights and Dolphins will battle for the final spot in the NRL finals in a crucial showdown on Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium. Both teams are tied on 28 points after 26 rounds, with the Dolphins climbing into the top eight after a commanding 40-6 victory over the Broncos, while the Knights drew level with a win over the Titans. The winner of this match will secure eighth place and advance to the playoffs, while a draw could allow the Dragons or Raiders to leapfrog both teams into the finals. The Dolphins, seeking their first-ever finals appearance, will benefit from the return of key players Jesse Bromwich and Kodi Nikorima from concussion protocols, following a successful reshuffle that included the return of Jeremy Marshall-King and Tavita Pangai Junior. The Knights, aiming to return to the finals after last year's semi-final exit, hope to have Tyson Frizell and Kai Pearce-Paul available for the must-win match. In their last encounter in Round 8, the Knights narrowly defeated the Dolphins 18-14, holding off a late surge at Suncorp Stadium. I’m tipping the Dolphins by 8 points.
As the final round of the NRL regular season unfolds, the stakes have never been higher. Teams are fighting not only for playoff berths but also for crucial ladder positions that could determine their path in the finals. Whether it's the Broncos and Storm clashing in a subdued rivalry, the Knights and Dolphins battling for the last spot in the finals, or the Sea Eagles and Sharks vying for a top-four finish, each game is packed with tension and anticipation. With injuries, suspensions, and form all playing a part, this round will set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable finals series. As teams lay it all on the line, fans can expect a weekend of high drama, intense competition, and potentially season-defining moments. So as we get to the business end of the season, make sure you head into Jersey’s Megastore to get all your 2024 officially licensed supporter gear! Jersey’s Megastore- for all things footy!
