NRL: No easy run to end of season

Sam Tomkins of the Warriors shows his disappointment. Photo / Getty Images

Odds are the Warriors will struggle in the final four rounds, writes Michael Burgess.

Round 23 v Panthers

Saturday August 15, (away)

Recent record: The Ivan Cleary era at the Panthers hasn't been kind to the Warriors. They've had some wins but it's the losses that stick in the mind — the lame late-season defeat at Mt Smart in 2012 that sealed Brian McClennan's departure, then last year's meek surrender in the final game of the season with their top-eight chances still alive. And not to mention the 62-6 humiliation in 2013.

Prospects: The Panthers will be playing only for pride and have also been hit hard by injuries. They're always tough at home, however, and the foot of the Blue Mountains is never a fun place to play.

Chance of victory: Fair.

Round 24 v Cowboys

Saturday August 22, (home)

Recent record: The Warriors have a decent record against the Cowboys. They probably should have won in April — conceding a last-minute try — and enjoyed a Townsville victory last year. The Warriors also have a 13-5 record at Mt Smart against North Queensland, who before this season weren't recognised as great travellers.

Prospects: Both Bodene Thompson and Ryan Hoffman could be back in the mix for this game, which will make a massive difference. It will also be the fourth run together for the Sam Tomkins/Chad Townsend/Tui Lolohea axis. But the Cowboys will be keen to maintain their own momentum and retain their spot in the top four. And they boast the best — and most influential — player in the world.

Chance of victory: Unlikely but not impossible.

Round 25 v Tigers Sunday

August 30, (away)

Recent record: These games are always close. Six of the last seven matches have been decided by 10 points or less and the round six clash in April (Manu Vatuvei's 200th match) went down to the wire.

Prospects: The Tigers have been almost as inconsistent as the Warriors this season.

They will likely still be bottom of the table after this weekend, but showed their potential with a comprehensive win over the Storm last weekend. And Campbelltown, in the middle of league's Western Sydney heartland, is always a tough place to play.

Chance of victory: Could happen, but don't put the house on it. Or even $10.

Round 26 v Bulldogs

Sunday September 6, (away)

Recent record: Playing the Bulldogs in recent times has been about as much fun for the Warriors as house hunting in Auckland. They haven't beaten Canterbury since 2011 with Des Hasler's men always doing just enough. There was the frustrating loss at Eden Park last year — when a series of errors turned momentum — then a spiteful game in Hamilton.

Prospects: If the Warriors are still contenders for the top eight — which is hard to imagine — then we could be in for a barnstorming throw-the-kitchen-sink kind of match. But they typically struggle with the Bulldogs pack and it's hard to see anything other than a Bulldogs victory.

It's also the final game of the NRL season so the extra pressure and focus, allied with the strange kickoff time (6.30pm Sydney time) won't help the visitors.

Chance of victory: Remote. At best.