NRL: Fight for finals to be a knockout

Kirisome Auva'a and the Rabbitohs have probably done enough to claim a top-four spot. Photo / Getty Images

It's been the tightest NRL season in years and is expected to go right down to the wire.

Often at this stage of the campaign, the top four is usually set, with a clutch of other teams jostling for the minor placings in the playoffs. Not this year.

The Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs have probably done enough to secure their places in the top quartet but the other two prized spots - which offer a precious double life - are up for grabs for any of the six teams below them.

The Eels' loss on Friday night was crucial. They host Manly next week and another defeat will all-but kill their finals chances, given their awful points differential. Points for and against will be vital this year, with the Roosters, Cowboys and Warriors having an edge in that area, while the Bulldogs and Storm are currently disadvantaged.

The Warriors should maintain their place in the eight and qualify for the finals for the first time since 2011. Where they finish is anyone's guess. They could place as high as fourth or as low as eighth, with the daunting prospect of a sudden-death match in Sydney, Melbourne or Townsville.

The Auckland club have a reasonably tough run-in. After today's tricky match against Newcastle, they face the Roosters (h), Titans (h) and Panthers (a), with only the match against the Gold Coast considered a 'banker'.

"We can't look at where we're going to finish," coach Andrew McFadden said. "We just have to take it week by week. But certainly a home semifinal would be a big bonus, especially with the travel we have to do."

Final picks: Hugh McGahan

Sea Eagles 40

Rabbitohs 38

Roosters 32

Warriors 32

Panthers 32

Storm 32

Cowboys 30

Bulldogs 30

Broncos 28

Eels 28

Dragons 26

Wests Tigers 24

Knights 22

Titans 20

Raiders 18

Sharks 16

Champions: Rabbitohs

"The games against the Roosters and Panthers will define the Warriors' finals placing. Despite their strong mid-season form, and Jarryd Hayne's recent brilliance, the Eels will miss out on the eight for the fifth consecutive year, while the Broncos will be the other 'nearly' team."

Final picks: Michael Burgess

Sea Eagles 38

Rabbitohs 36

Roosters 34

Panthers 34

Warriors 32

Storm 32

Bulldogs 32

Cowboys 30

Broncos 28

Eels 28

Dragons 26

Wests Tigers 24

Knights 22

Titans 20

Raiders 16

Sharks 16

Champions: Sea Eagles

"Points differential will be crucial this season, and those big wins over the Eels and Raiders should be enough to see the Warriors claim fifth place and finish above the Storm and Bulldogs. Penrith will be the top four surprise team, though they probably won't go deep into the finals."

Final picks: Richie Barnett

Sea Eagles 38

Rabbitohs 36

Roosters 34

Warriors 34

Cowboys 32

Bulldogs 32

Panthers 30

Storm 30

Eels 30

Broncos 28

Wests Tigers 26

Dragons 24

Titans 20

Knights 20

Raiders 18

Sharks 16

Champions: Rabbitohs

"The Sea Eagles might win the minor premiership but the Rabbitohs finally seem ready to brush off 43 years of disappointment to claim the title. The Warriors and North Queensland are the dark horses because they have X-factor."