Here are the talking points from Round 24.
Capital punishment
The plucky Raiders had their winning run brought to an end on Sunday by the surging Panthers, snuffing out the faint hope they could sneak into the top 8. After narrowly missing out on a grand final spot last year, the Canberra team was everybody’s dark horse to go one better this season, but a horror first half of the year just left too much ground to make up, and this team can’t miss the start and come home like Winx. Ricky Stuart will be bitterly disappointed that his team has gone backwards this year, and there will be some serious soul searching in the capital this off-season about how to turn potential into performance.
Cowboys shot down
The Cowboys’ season is hanging by a thread after another loss on Saturday night, and with a significant portion of their salary cap sitting on the sidelines, they might struggle to win another game this year. The Sharks weren’t going to be denied in Townsville after a couple of insipid losses on the trot, and while the boys from the Shire will be happy to be sitting in the top 4 again, Paul Green’s men will be nervously looking over their shoulder while preparing for the unpredictable Tigers this weekend. With the Broncos waiting for them in the final round, this is a must-win clash for the Cowboys, who hold a narrow 2 point buffer over the Dragons. It’s all academic, though, because if they do manage to squeeze into the finals, they won’t be hanging around for long.
The big four
It finally looks like the big four premiership threats have found themselves in the top four on the table, and each will be desperate to hold their position over the closing 2 rounds. While Melbourne are safe at the top of the table, the Broncos, Roosters and Sharks have emerged as the main dangers to the ultra-consistent Storm. The Eels are right there with the Sharks, though, and will be hoping the Roosters get one over the Cronulla team this weekend, which would give Parramatta a chance to leapfrog them. The Roosters got out of jail against the Tigers, and Trent Robinson will know a much sterner test awaits this week. Up north, the Broncos are really clicking into gear, rekindling their 2015 form as they look to lock down a vital top 2 finish. It has taken us a while, but the cream is starting to rise to the top with the finals just around the corner.
What’s next?
The big Sharks-Roosters clash is the pick of the match ups this weekend in terms of quality, but the most interesting game might just be the Panthers and the Dragons on Sunday. The Dragons can’t buy a win, but will know that their season is quickly slipping away, while the Panthers are on a hot streak and won’t be wanting to lose momentum so close to the finals. Manly and the Cowboys will both be desperate to find some winning form, and while you can make excuses for the Cowboys, it is difficult to fathom the difference between the Sea Eagles’ best and worst performances. The trip to New Zealand to meet the Warriors may well be season defining for Trent Barrett’s men.
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2017 NRL Premiership market can be found here.
Enjoy your footy!
Words: Cameron Stokes
