A Dramatic 24th Round

An Update on the NRL Finals Situation

F. A. Loxton

LAST FRIDAY’S SELL-OUT MATCH between the Roosters and Storm brought everything expected and more. After the Roosters got out to a 14-0 lead, tensions rose between Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, resulting in Jared being sent to the sin-bin. Brandon-Smith also played a motivated game against his future club. In the second-half, the Storm looked to break the Roosters as a head injury took Victor Radley off. However, the Roosters proved too strong, cementing a spot in the finals with the 18-14 win.

But why was this game so important? And what matchups does round 25 include?

Firstly, just the night before, the Eels blew away the Broncos 53-6, giving them a chance to make the top four, assuming the Storm lost. The game also put the Broncos’ finals chances in doubt, sitting level on points with the raiders going into round 25. The Broncos will need a big win this round over the Dragons to make the eight, with the raiders likely to beat the tigers.

The Panthers were also able to secure the minor premiership against the Warriors, helped by the return of Jerome Luai in a 46-12 victory.

Round 25 will hold many important games. The Eels face the Storm on Thursday night (last night, once this article has been published), to play for a top four finish and the luxury of being able to lose a game. With the Storm coming in after a home loss to the Roosters, the Eels would have to be the favourite at Commbank with their recent form.

Furthermore, this round’s Friday night clash between the Roosters and Rabbitohs is set to be a thriller. Last year’s match between the rivals prompted a Latrell Mitchell shoulder charge on Joey Manu, resulting in a suspension for the grand-final against the Panthers. This year, both of the former teammates are in career-best forms, and will be looking to lead their side to a home final. Whilst the game will not influence much ladder movement, the rivalry between the clubs and now players will make it one of the most exciting games of the season.

Ultimately, round 25 will be crucial for most teams in securing their positions on the ladder. With the playoffs starting just next week, the events of last weekend have hugely shaped the top eight; and holding form into these games will be vital for a successful finals campaign.