The battle for the top eight, right now, is red hot. The Panthers vs Titans game on Saturday afternoon has mammoth finals ramifications. Canberra's game against the Storm is almost season defining. The Cowboys/Warriors clash will either end the Cowboys top four run or the Warriors season.

As for the battle for the top four? The Storm aside, that is an absolute lottery, and get the popcorn ready because we are in for some twists and turns.

That said, the way the fixtures fall this weekend, if results go as they are predicted, we are looking at nine teams fighting for eight spots with five rounds to go.

As mentioned, if the Warriors lose to the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday Night, their fast fading finals dreams are dashed. They're currently four points, and over 80 points in differential, behind the eighth placed Dragons. A loss to the Cowboys and it's lights out.

The Panthers can enter the top eight, although points differential indicates that is a long shot. A win over the Titans and they join the Dragons on 22 points. They'd need to win big, but if they fire, it's a chance.

The Dragons can maintain that two point gap over the Panthers if they can upset the Sea Eagles. Given the game is a home game, at WIN Stadium no less, they'd have to fancy themselves a chance at achieving that upset. A loss would see them dragged into a huge scrap with Penrith for the eighth spot, while a win would keep their outside chance of a top four birth alive.

With the Sharks expected to take care of the Bunnies, they'd effectively book their finals berth. Although, if there's one team who knows how to lose from huge being overwhelming favourites, its the defending premiers. Souths are probably out of finals contention, but a loss Friday confirms that.

As for the Titans, the equation is simple; beat Penrith or start planning Mad Monday. They should be read hot and ready after their big win over the Sharks, and a win would take them equal on points with Penrith. There's no lack of motivation there.

The Bulldogs may know their destiny early on, as they travel to Brisbane tonight. Never say never in rugby league, but they probably need to win every game from here to be any chance. A loss and Des Hasler's finals run is over, as may be his time at Belmore.

The Raiders are the side with the most to lose this weekend. Not only would a loss remind the of the painful defeat they suffered in last year's preliminary final against Melbourne, but they'd be sent to the also ran scrap heap in a season in which they entered almost favourites.

Ricky Stuart's elation at his side's golden-point win over the Dragons last weekend showed it all. A loss would have ended their season, but the brilliant try to seal it keeps their 2017 dream alive. The Storm, who continue to set the pace, want the Minor Premiership wrapped up so they can rest their stars.

A Raider's win keeps their destiny somewhat in their own hands, but a loss means they need the Dragons and Panthers need to forget how to play football in the last month. As it is they already need either side to drop games. Will be tough from here.

The Tigers and Knights are out of finals contention.

The Roosters, who should put up a cricket score against the Knights, have a chance to put a dent in the 70 point differential lead the Storm have on them. They need a big win here.

The Eels should book their spot with a win over the Tigers. With a -19 differential themselves, they'd want that in the positive after the weekend just in case the Panthers, Raiders and Dragons all go on a late season tear.

Late season predictions

  • The Storm will be almost impossible to pip for the Minor Premiership now
  • The Sea Eagles and Roosters are set for top four finishes
  • The Sharks and Broncos will battle for the other spot in the top four
  • The Warriors, Souths, Titans, and Dogs can't play finals from here
  • Penrith will oust the Dragons for the eighth spot with the Cowboys, Broncos/Sharks, and Eels making up the eight

This weekend's round of fixtures is HUGE. I can't remember the last time a round decided the fate of so many teams.

Comments are closed.