sidelined

With one round to go, lets have a look at the various permutations in regards to where everyone will finish. Consider it a preview of my tips for round 26.

Manly Sea Eagles - Current position: 1st Predicted finish: 1st

Manly will play the Panthers. They should win this game. They have an 8 point break on the Storm and will want to put a big score on the Panthers.

Melbourne Storm - Current Position: 2nd. Predicted finish: 2nd

A Manly loss will see the Storm with the minor premiership (provided the Storm don’t lose). I think Souths will keep the Storm honest. The Storm will win but it won’t be a flogging.

Cronulla Sharks - Current Position: 3rd. Predicted finish: 3rd

The only way the Sharks can win the minor premiership is for both the Storm and Manly to lose. That is unlikely. Even if the Sharks lose they will still be in 3rd spot.

Sydney Roosters - Current Position: 4th. Predicted finish: 6th

The Roosters will be the big losers this weekend. A loss to the Dragons and a Broncos win will see them slide to 6th.

Brisbane Broncos - Current Position: 5th. Predicted finish: 4th.

The Broncos to grab a home final on the back of a Dragons win over the Roosters.

St George/Illawarra Dragons - Current position: 6th. Predicted finish: 5th

Provided the Dragons beat they Roosters, they could finish in fourth spot if the Broncos lose. However I see fifth spot as the more likely position. They could fall as low as seventh if results do not favour them.

Canberra Raiders - Current position: 7th. Predicted finish: 7th

If the Dragons lose and the Raiders do a number on the Bulldogs, they could jump up to 6th spot. Given I reckon the Dragons will win then the Raiders will remain in 7th.

Newcastle Knights - Current position: 8th. Predicted finish: 9th

I may change my mind about this but the Knights are in danger. If the Warriors win and the Knights lose, the Warriors make the eight.

New Zealand Warriors - Current position: 9th. Predicted finish: 8th

If the Eels couldn’t turn up for the Dragons then they will be easy pickings for the Warriors. It does depend on what happens Friday night. If the Knights lose then the Warriors will be up for the game.

The Eels, Panthers, Tigers, Titans, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Bulldogs - Current position: no hope at all. Predicted finish: First in line for Mad Monday