League: Final NRL playoff push

With the NRL season coming to something of a climax, trying to predict who will make the top eight is about as difficult as containing Benji Marshall in full flight - especially this year when upsets have become the norm rather than the exception.


The Warriors' win last night brings them back into contention, just to add to the confusion. 

With as many as 10 teams vying for six spots, there will be some particularly disappointed fans out there when four clubs are cast aside to think about what might have been as other sides chase grand final glory.

The only place where some clarity is emerging is the top and the bottom of the table.

The Knights, Rabbitohs and Panthers have been fended off and are left playing for pride while, at the other end, only the Broncos and, to a lesser extent, the Eels are breaking clear from the pack.

The Broncos have survived the rigours of State of Origin better than they normally do and should go on to claim the minor premiership comfortably ahead of the Eels. After these two, things begin to get complicated.

The Dragons, Tigers and Bulldogs are on something of a resurgence and the Bulldogs, in particular, will be buoyed by the return of some of their stars who have sat out most of the season through injury.


Willie Mason is back, as is Reni Maitua and Mark O'Meley. Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Tonga should soon be back on board which will cause alarm bells for opposition sides. Add to that the fact Braith Anasta is starting to show the form that has so many people raving and the reigning champions could become a difficult opponent in the playoffs.

Likewise, the Dragons and Tigers are peaking at the right time. It wasn't that long ago people were calling for Dragons coach Nathan Brown's head - now it seems he's the toast of the coal mines and steel mills of Illawarra as his side makes a charge up the table.

Today Tim Sheens' Tigers go for their fourth win on the trot, which could cement their place in the top eight.

Amazingly, four sides could be locked on 30 points at the end of round-robin play meaning one, possibly even two, could miss out because of an inferior points differential.

The Sea Eagles are on the downward spiral being on the end of a four-game losing streak and could be one to slip off the pace.

Similarly, before last weekend, the Sharks also looked like they were on the fast train to Disappointment Land but might have saved their season with a dramatic extra-time win over the Knights.

There are a number of key games throughout the remaining rounds that will not only determine the top eight but also sort out the order teams qualify - Dragons vs Roosters in Round 21.

* Raiders vs Wests Tigers in Round 22.

* Tigers vs Bulldogs in Round 24.

* Cowboys v Storm in Round 26.

The TAB have certainly made up their minds, settling on the Roosters, Wests Tigers, Warriors and Raiders to miss out on the top eight.

Much like the Twilight Zone, however, expect the unexpected.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY