MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters celebrates after kicking the winning field goal during the round 6 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park on April 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

As we build towards the finals, it’s the question on everyone’s mind – who is going to be playing off in the 2019 NRL Grand Final?

There are four main contenders that stand out right now, but picking two is where it gets interesting.

Melbourne Storm

Melbourne Storm look the best placed side, sitting two games on the top of the ladder with six games remaining.

Craig Bellamy’s side is coming off a heartbreaking 11-10 golden point loss against the Sea Eagles last week and do face a tough run home that will have them well placed heading into the finals.

This team just keeps on keeping on, consistently finding rising talents and new ways to win. Skipper Cameron Smith is having one of his most consistent seasons ever and Queensland Origin star Cameron Munster has emerged as a genuine Dally M Medal contender.

The Storm’s biggest issue could be its slow starts, something veteran centre Will Chambers said they must rectify moving forward.

"We're not too sure why we're starting the way we are but it's something we need to address and fix otherwise we won't be going too far into this comp," Chambers told reporters on Tuesday.

"We played good for patches but started poorly and against Manly it cost us dearly and that was what Craig was mostly disappointed about.

"You can't give teams a good start like that and expect to reel them in."

To get the best value on the Storm, make sure to check out the rugby betting site.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Dubbed the premiership favourites in the pre-season, the Bunnies have not been as dominant as some anticipated, but still find themselves locked into a top four spot.

After a mid-season slump where Wayne Bennett’s side dropped four in a row, they have since got things back on track, winning its last three to climb back into the top two.

Former Knights great Andrew Johns predicted last week that the Rabbitohs would win the premiership, arguing that Sam Burgess’ injury will help freshen him up for finals.

"I think they'll win the comp...I think it's a godsend that Sam Burgess is out, I think he will come back really fresh," Johns told Channel Nine’s 100% Footy.

"Cam Murray, what's he's doing in the middle of the field, no one plays the ball faster which is bringing Damien Cook into play."

"For me, they're the team to beat."

Sydney Roosters

The reigning premiers remain in the hunt for a top-two spot which could be vital to their grand final and premiership aspirations.

Currently sitting third, Trent Robinson’s team has won two in a row and get an easy matchup with the Titans this week before a blockbuster clash against South Sydney. That match could go a long way in determining who gets a top-two position.

Injuries could be the only thing that stands in the Tricolours’ way, with Sio Taukeiaho (calf) and Boyd Cordner (calf) and Ryan Hall recently going down.

Canberra Raiders

The Green Machine have shot up from outside the finals last season to now look a legitimate contender, sitting a game clear in fourth place. And that double chance could make or break their prospects.

Ricky Stuart’s team will be striving towards its first Grand Final in the NRL era and could be set for a major boost with star centre Joey Leilua in the frame to return from a serious neck injury.

Originally expected to miss the rest of the 2019 season, the Samoan international has been given the all clear from specialists to return to training and could provide the spark this team needs to achieve finals success.

The Raiders have won six of their last seven games as one of the form sides of the league and could do some serious damage when the whips are cracking.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Immortal Andrew Johns opinion I would suggest knows what he is talking about when it comes to NRL insight.
    Anyone other or close to his credentials are fools to questions that as we are about to see here.
    I agree with Johns and the only other teams with the forwards to reach the GF are the storm and the raiders.
    The rest this year just dont have the forwards to grind it out in big games.
    Broncos forwards are up there but need to be in the top 4 but wont be.

  2. Being a Raiders supporter you can never get too far ahead of yourself…cos it always comes back to bite ya. In saying that we’re in a great position…but I don’t know, I just don’t know??? I hope this is our year….🤞

  3. After a dream draw through origin and playing the Bulldogs 2 times in 5 weeks and this week the titans, the end of the piggy back for the roosters is coming the week after against the raiders where they will be exposed.
    The raiders will win easily and will be downhill for the roosters from there.
    Penrith and Souths will further expose them as finished for 2019.

  4. Frankfurter I’m basing my opinion on observation and facts.
    The roosters play another minnow this week and will be hailed as champions by some rooster patsy media whereas Souths face a difficult task in a full strength Sharks which on their day can beat any side.
    Thats a full strength Sharks and a full strength Dragons the week before.
    The roosters could shoot back up to 2nd through their beautifully managed draw but the week after the raiders will be too strong in the forwards.
    Souths face another full strength team in Storm but hopefully Sam Burgess and Alex Johnston which will be interesting.

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