After another great weekend of footy, the NRL is officially in the business end of the season with only six rounds remaining until the beginning of the 2025 NRL Finals Series.
Unlike other seasons, the race to the finals remains relatively open. With ten different teams potentially featuring in the finals, Canberra, Canterbury, Melbourne and New Zealand have already booked their spot.
Entering Round 22 this weekend, the remaining teams that can make the finals are the Panthers, Broncos, Sharks, Dolphins, Sea Eagles and Roosters.
Predicting the finish to the season with 100 per cent accuracy is extremely difficult and would likely require a time travel machine. However, Palmerbet examines which NRL team can possibly make the finals this season.
1st: Canberra Raiders
Already securing their spot in the top eight, the Raiders are favourites to clinch the Minor Premiership and are all but certain to finish in the top four. Unless something drastic happens in the next few weeks, the Green Machine will be able to host a home final in front of their loyal fan base.
Upcoming Fixtures: Dragons (A), Sea Eagles (H), Bye, Panthers (A), Tigers (H), Dolphins (A)
2nd: Canterbury Bulldogs
Coming off their best win of the season, the Bulldogs have been in red-hot form over the last several months and will be eager to finish the season strong. However, they have one of the hardest runs home and multiple losses could see them drop out of the top four.
Upcoming Fixtures: Tigers (A), Warriors (H), Roosters (A), Storm (A), Panthers (H), Sharks (H)
3rd: Melbourne Storm
Likely to overtake the Bulldogs, the Melbourne Storm are predicted to finish in second place. However, just like the Bulldogs, they could fall out of the top four but could also make a claim for the Minor Premiership if the Raiders concede too many losses.
Upcoming Fixtures: Eels (A), Broncos (H), Panthers (A), Bulldogs (H), Roosters (H), Broncos (A)
4th: New Zealand Warriors
One of the best teams during the start and middle of the season, the Warriors have taken a backward step lately after their two best players, Luke Metcalfe and Mitch Barnett, were ruled out with season-ending injuries. Expect them to sneak into the top four, but are unlikely to make any big moves in the finals.
Upcoming Fixtures: Dolphins (H), Bulldogs (A), Dragons (H), Titans (A), Eels (H), Sea Eagles (A)
5th: Penrith Panthers
Three points behind the Warriors, the Penrith Panthers are in an interesting predicament. Easily the best team in the NRL at the moment – bar the Raiders – Penrith have found their form at the right time and could very well move into the top four. Otherwise, they will host a preliminary elimination final match.
Upcoming Fixtures: Titans (A), Knights (A), Storm (H), Raiders (H), Bulldogs (A), Dragons (A)
6th: Brisbane Broncos
Similar to the Panthers’ situation, the Brisbane Broncos will be licking their wounds after failing to defeat the Eels last week, which would have seen them finish the round in fourth place. If they find their consistency, the Broncos will host an elimination final, but if not, they could potentially drop out of the eight.
Upcoming Fixtures: Rabbitohs (H), Storm (A), Dolphins (H), Knights (A), Cowboys (A), Storm (H)
7th: Cronulla Sharks
Winning their last three matches, the Sharks are in red-hot form at the moment and don’t have the hardest run home – they also have a guaranteed two points from the bye. If they are able to find their stride, don’t be surprised if they make a play for the top four.
Upcoming Fixtures: Cowboys (H), Dragons (A), Titans (H), bye, Knights (H), Bulldogs (A)
8th: The Dolphins
Moving back into the top eight last week, the Dolphins only face two teams that are currently in the top eight over the next five weeks. They will also receive several big guns back from injury, including Kodi Nikorima, Felise Kaufusi and Max Plath in the coming weeks.
Upcoming Fixtures: Warriors (A), Roosters (H), Broncos (A), Sea Eagles (A), Titans (H), Raiders (H)
9th: Manly Sea Eagles
With only three home games left, the Manly Sea Eagles will need to claim a big scalp either against the Raiders or the Warriors if they are to have a chance to enter the top eight. While it is extremely possible to play September football, the club have been incredibly inconsistent this season.
Upcoming Fixtures: Roosters (H), Raiders (A), Tigers (A), Dolphins (H), Dragons (A), Warriors (H)
10th: Sydney Roosters
After losing their past two matches, the Roosters need to win every single one of their matches to have a remote chance of making the NRL Finals. Set to miss out on the top eight, they will face the impenetrable Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm (again) over the next five weeks.
Upcoming Fixtures: Sea Eagles (A), Dolphins (A). Bulldogs (H), Eels (A), Storm (A), Rabbitohs (H)