What Are Their Chances?
Roosters
They started the season as the defending premiers, but looked shaky. They have finished the season as if someone has an open flame to their hairy butt-hole and claimed the Minor Premiership for the second season in a row.
They take on the Panthers this weekend in what should be a win giving them a week off while everyone else scraps it out for chance to play an extra week.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Better than good chance.
Sea Eagles
They sat atop the table for a large majority of the season. At times they looked unbeatable, even with all the in-house drama going on. In recent weeks they have hit a wall and are struggling to make an impact on games.
They take on the Rabbitohs in the other top four play-off. Based on their recent results it is hard to see the Manly Sea Eagles getting the week off here. They will in all likelihood be playing the winner of the Storm and Bulldogs game at the same venue next weekend in a do-or-die clash.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Can’t be written off.
Rabbitohs
Up against the struggling Manly team, the boys from Redfern should get the job done here. They were outclassed against the Roosters last weekend, but it is better to lose the week before the finals than it is the first week of the finals.
Expect to see the Bunnies with a week off after this game. Will that week work in their favour? Mental issues are the question here.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Good chance, need to defeat mental demons first.
Panthers
All season the Panthers have been written off, but they just keep on coming. They were clinical against the Warriors to secure a top four spot.
A game against the Minor Premiers unfortunately means a loss is almost certain. They will have to back up a tough game with another in week two of the finals. Rather than believing, everyone is waiting for them to wave the white flag.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Not looking good, better luck next year.
Cowboys
At the half way mark of the season the Cowboys were being tipped to help Cronulla carry the wooden spoon. They couldn’t win away from home and struggled at times to score points.
Queue JT to step up. He has orchestrated the Cowboys revival and superb run into fifth spot. It seems to happen every year, but we are always shocked. Winning in week one shouldn’t be too hard, but then they will have to travel to Sydney.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Grand Final smokeys – is seven wins in a row possible?
Storm
The whole season they have been there or thereabouts, but it wasn’t until Cooper Cronk broke his arm and came back that they started to kick on strong.
With the big game experience of the Big Three alone, Melbourne are on track for another legit title.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Best chance of the bottom four teams
Bulldogs
Like Manly, for a period of the season they looked unbeatable and it was a matter of time before they had a premiership trophy.
Since Origin they have battled and limped their way to this point of the season. Being up 18 – 0 and then losing 19 – 18 against the Titans last week just shows how serious their chances of making another Grand Final are. That’s not serious for those of you who can’t read between the lines.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Better chance than the Sharks do, but still no chance really.
Broncos
The Broncos are playing for their fallen coach. He is out the door next season and a flash new ring would be a fitting gift to the departing Hook.
They made the finals thanks to the Warriors losing on Sunday night. Their form has been up and down lately with their best and worst performances miles apart. Out of all the teams to play the Cowboys at home they have the best chance, it is in their backyard after all.
NNRL calculated chance of making the Grand Final – Slim chance. If everything clicks, then maybe, just maybe.