Round 24 set a cat amongst the pigeons. Several cats in fact!
The Roosters victory over the Panthers completely blew the race for the minor premiership wide open. The Warriors took a massive step toward a late charge also.
The Sharks horror loss to the Raiders did a world of harm to their top four hopes. It has dashed their top two chances altogether.
The Cowboys late loss to the Eels meant they couldn't take advantage of the Bulldogs loss the night before.
With three rounds to go, we're eating well as rugby league fans.
Where did your team land on this week's NRL Power Rankings following Round 24?:
1. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 1)
The Roosters confirmed their status as the team to beat via a brilliant 12-6 win over the Panthers on Thursday night. This was arguably the game of the season!
Daly Cherry-Evans again proved his worth with a man of the match performance, and two tries. This is why they brought him to the club. Sam Walker was again brilliant.
Sunday afternoon's game against the Tigers is the literal perfect game to take a big step toward adding the J. J. Giltinan Shield to the trophy cabinet.
2. New Zealand Warriors (2)
The Warriors flawless 40-6 win over the Broncos sees them join the Panthers in second place. They're within striking distance of both sides above them.
Luke Metcalf's injury was the only negative on an otherwise brilliant night. So many players were so good that we at Zero Tackle couldn't agree on a top three players.
They're away to the Bunnies on Saturday afternoon in what shapes as a season defining contest. I cannot wait!
3. Penrith Panthers (3)
The Panthers lost what was an absolute ripper game on Thursday night. They threatened late, via a short Nathan Cleary masterclass, but fell short. The Minor Premiership may have been lost.
Cleary had the aforementioned ten minutes that looked as though it would all but secure the trophy. Isaiah Papali'i is an absolute machine. Does he ever game a bad game?
The Panthers travel to Melbourne to duke it out with old sparring partners the Storm on Thursday night. A win keeps the pressure on the Roosters and Warriors. A loss all but ends their Minor Premiership hopes.
4. The Dolphins (5)
The Dolphins returned to the top four in blistering fashion on Friday evening. They walked through the Sea Eagles, in Manly no less, 22 points to nil.
Jamayne Isaako was absolutely unstoppable out wide. Jack Bostock and Selwyn Cobbo both has monster nights out also.
They should enjoy similar success on Friday night as they host the Eels. They won't hold any fear at all.
5. Newcastle Knights (6)
Newcastle locked in a return to Finals footy with their 36-26 victory over the Titans on Sunday afternoon. This was an entertaining game lapped up by the local crowd.
I am convinced that Fletcher Sharpe would star at any spot on the field. Dane Gagai had a 9.5/10 first half before injury ended his day. Kalyn Ponga clicked into gear and looked brilliant late on.
They should run up a score on Saturday afternoon with Manly in town.
6. Cronulla Sharks (4)
The Sharks top two chances are gone and their top four chances took a massive hit thanks to a horror show loss to the Raiders on Saturday afternoon.
Braydon Trindall may not play again this season after suffering a shoulder injury. KL Iro's 248 run metres looks good but truthfully there weren't many good Sharks out there, Iro included.
They simply have to beat the Titans, on the Gold Coast, on Sunday afternoon. A loss here and they may as well head to Bali early, despite Finals being locked in.
7. South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)
The Bunnies took a huge stride toward a Finals appearance in beating the Bulldogs on Friday night. The 22-6 win puts a gap of four points, and a huge differential, between them and then 9th placed Dogs.
David Fifita arguably had his best game for the Bunnies. Tallis Duncan might have found a home in the centres.
They host the red hot Warriors on Saturday afternoon. A win here locks them in. A loss isn't the end of the world but opens up all sorts of opportunities.
8. North Queensland Cowboys (8)
The Cowboys could have all but wrapped up Finals footy but fell to the Eels on Saturday evening. The 32-30 loss was a shock. Albeit an entertaining one for the neutral.
Jaxon Purdue continues to provide a source of excitement for Cowboys fans. Reuben Cotter was huge on the night. Reed Mahoney has been a top signing.
A bye this weekend, combined with a loss by the Bulldogs should see them home and hosed.
9. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (9)
The Dogs Finals copped a huge blow on Friday night in losing to the Bunnies. The 22-6 result leaves them two points behind the Cowboys, who ended up losing themselves.
Enari Tuala's 61st minute try was all she wrote for the Dogs. Jacob Kiraz had 198 run metres and about eight turnovers. Certainly felt that way anyway.
The 8th placed Cowboys have the bye this weekend meaning the Bulldogs must beat the Dragons on Saturday night, or it's curtains.
10. Canberra Raiders (11)
Canberra kept their very, very slim chances alive via a brilliant 24-20 win over the Sharks on Saturday afternoon.
Joseph Tapine was absolutely massive all day. He bossed the Sharks pack around with ease. Xavier Savage's pace made him a constant threat. Owen Pattie continues to improve.
A send off is planned for Josh Papalii on Saturday afternoon. I'd be shocked if they didn't hammer the visiting Broncos on Saturday afternoon.
11. Melbourne Storm (10)
The Storm enjoyed a bye this weekend. Their season is over which means the pressure is off down south.
They return to action, at home, on Thursday night and will be motivated by hurting the Panthers chances of winning the Minor Premiership.
Penrith vs Melbourne is always fun. This should be no different.
12. Parramatta Eels (13)
The Eels produced an entertaining win over the Cowboys on Saturday evening. Mitch Moses was hit "high" and converted the penalty to bank the two competition points.
Moses was actually very good all night to be honest. Tallyn Da Silva is having a brilliant season and was great again on the night.
Friday night sees them travel to Brisbane to play the Dolphins on Friday night. They can inflict plenty of pain on the Phins top four hopes with a win.
13. St George Illawarra Dragons (16)
The Dragons banked their second win in a row on Sunday afternoon in outlasting the Tigers 24 points to 22.
Hamish Stewart continued his brilliant run. Daniel Atkinson had a brilliant game despite being shifted to fullback. Toby Couchman was an absolute monster off the bench.
They can keep their hopes of avoiding the spoon alive with a win over the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.
14. Manly Sea Eagles (12)
Manly's season ended weeks ago but it hit a Foz-ball rock bottom via a 22-0 loss to the Dolphins on Friday evening at Brookvale Oval.
It's hard to find a positive here. Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau'atu were the best of a bad bunch.
They travel to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon and look like sitting ducks.
15. Gold Coast Titans (14)
The Titans 36-26 loss to the Knights on Sunday summed up their season. They were good at times, fun always but never really looked like winning.
Beau Fermor crossed for a double and was massive for his side. Jayden Campbell threatened. He looks so much better as a running six.
They host an out of sorts Sharks on Sunday afternoon. If they're going to win another game this year, it's probably this one.
16. Brisbane Broncos (15)
The Broncos are lucky the Tigers exist or they'd be bottom of the rankings here. Their horror season continued via a 40-6 hammering at the hands of the Warriors.
Xavier Willison crossed for a try and has probably been their one shining light in 2026.
They start as massive underdogs in Canberra against the Raiders. A loss drags them into a very real battle to avoid a wooden spoon they probably deserve.
17. Wests Tigers (17)
The Tigers 24-22 loss continues their dire run of footy across ... what feels like months!
Solomone Saukuru crossed for a double on debut. What a highlight!
You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who is willing to tip the Tigers this weekend against the Roosters. Won't be me either.
