There are 16 games left in the NRL regular season but already, seven teams have booked their finals tickets and are locked into the top seven spots.
Where it gets interesting is the race for the eighth, with five teams battling for that final spot. The Dragons’ loss to the Sharks would have been well received by Broncos, Dolphins, Knights and Raiders, who are all just one win behind the Red V.
Here, foxsports.com.au separately dissect the all-important race for the last finals spot as well as what can happen between positions one and seven, as teams try and jostle for a second chance or a home final.
RACE FOR EIGHTH SPOT
8th – Dragons (28 points, -120)
Remaining games – Eels (a), Raiders (h)
They would have pencilled in the last spot in the eight with a win over Cronulla, but they couldn’t get the job done. The Red V take on a desperate Eels outfit next week and then Canberra in the final round. They still control their own destiny as two wins would secure a top eight berth. One loss could spell danger though as their for/against is much worse than the Broncos and Dolphins.
9th – Broncos (26 points, +2)
Remaining games – Dolphins (a), Storm (h)
They looked dead and buried a fortnight ago, but thanks to two straight wins (Cowboys and Eels) and some other results going their way, the Broncos are a live hope of progressing. They’ll need to win their final two games against the Dolphins and what is likely to be a understrength Storm outfit. Because of their superior for/against, if that happens and if the Dragons lose at least one more game, Brisbane will finish eighth.
10th – Dolphins (26 points, -27)
Remaining games – Broncos (h), Knights (a)
Six weeks ago, they would have been short odds on to make the finals, but after losing five of their last six, the Dolphins are on the outside looking in. They take on the Broncos in a Queensland Derby next weekend, which will essentially be an elimination final, with the loser knocked out of the finals race. If they win that, beat the Knights the following week and the Dragons lose two, the Dolphins will play finals footy in just their second year in the comp.
11. Knights (26 points, -70)
Remaining games – Titans (h), Dolphins (h)
Took care of business and thrashed the Rabbitohs in Round 25. They now have two winnable games at home against the out of form Titans and Dolphins. To progress to the finals, Newcastle have to win both and hope for the Broncos, Dragons and Raiders to all lose at least one game. One of those teams is sure to lose at least once as the Dragons-Raiders meet in the final round.
12. Raiders (26 points, -131)
Remaining games – Roosters (a), Dragons (a)
Kept their slim finals hopes alive with a stunning upset win over Penrith. The Roosters are next on the agenda, which is another tough assignment, but one thing you can’t do is rule Ricky’s Raiders out of any game. If they beat the Roosters/Dragons, and the Dolphins, Broncos and Knights don’t win both of their final two games, Canberra will secure eighth spot.
