As the NRL season approaches its conclusion, the race for the finals is heating up with only two rounds remaining. The battle for the last playoff positions is fierce, with the top seven teams—Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm, Canterbury Bulldogs, New Zealand Warriors, Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, and Pennith Panthers—already secure in their spots. The eighth and final position is still up for grabs, primarily contested by the Sydney Roosters, Dolphins, and Manly Sea Eagles.
The Raiders, currently leading with 42 points and a points differential of +172, are on track to secure the minor premiership for the first time since 1994. They face the Wests Tigers at home in Round 26 and travel to meet the Dolphins in the final round. A win against both teams would solidify their top position, especially if the Storm struggle against the Roosters and Broncos in their upcoming matches.
The Storm sit second on the ladder with 40 points and a +258 points differential. Their remaining schedule includes crucial matches against the Roosters and Broncos. Although they have a challenging path ahead, a victory against the Roosters could significantly boost their chances of claiming the minor premiership.
Aiming for the top four, the Bulldogs are currently in third place with 36 points. Despite recent struggles, including a 20-14 loss to the Storm, they need just one more win to secure a finals berth. Their upcoming games against the Panthers and Sharks will be pivotal.
In fourth position, the Warriors hold 34 points and face the Eels and Sea Eagles in their final matches. With the easiest schedule among the top contenders, they are well-positioned to maintain their playoff spot, although questions remain about their ability to compete at a higher level in the finals.
The Broncos and Sharks, tied at 32 points, are vying for better placement in the top eight. The Broncos are coming off a dominant 46-12 victory against the Knights, while the Sharks are assured of a top-eight finish after a convincing win against the Titans.
Meanwhile, the Roosters, currently eighth with 28 points, face a critical stretch of games against the Storm and Rabbitohs. They must win both to secure their playoff position or rely on results from other matches to fall in their favor.
The Dolphins and Sea Eagles are not far behind, each with 26 points. The Dolphins face a must-win situation against the Titans and the Raiders in their final games, while the Sea Eagles will need to defeat the Dragons and the Warriors to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
As the season winds down, teams have begun to feel the pressure. The Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys, St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, and Gold Coast Titans have all been eliminated from contention, with the Titans in particular struggling after a disappointing season that concluded with the dismissal of their coach, Des Hasler.
With the intensity ramping up, the next few rounds promise to deliver significant excitement as teams fight for their playoff lives in the NRL. The outcomes of these matches will determine not only the final standings but also the future of several franchises as they look to build on their performances in the upcoming seasons.
