Now we seem to be heading back to football, I'll give this section another go, until it degenerates into one of those midday shows again.
Thinking time!! It's late enough in the season to predict who we can start dismissing from making the 8, to play finals this season.
Knights, Tigers and Bunnies have nil chance from here. The next four teams (on 18pts) with the Warriors, Titans and the Doggies all on negative for/against which burdens them with having to win another game to formulate a top 8 position.
Doggies have six home games with only one match away (Manly) from ANZ. They have four top 8 teams, four of these teams are in there way to the 8. Every game is essential with losing just one game can be all it takes to nullify them. Ineffective in point scoring this season puts them in the 'not making it pile'.
Warriors travel to face four top 8 sides and no Shaun Johnson with a loss to the mighty Cowboys on Sunday. Maybe next year.
Gold Coast have a tough run against four top 8 sides, three of them away. Though winning when not expected too, I think unfortunately to high a hill to climb
Canberra at least have a positive for and against. Tough run home, need at least three wins from this period otherwise sweating on other teams results. Raiders Vs Penrith in Round 24 may be a battle for the 8. They disappoint me every time I back them. Small chance.
Panthers start a run of four straight games at home this weekend, with three teams below them. Should be 3-1 Dragons have two away games over the same, 50/50 Vs Titans. Both then have a tough finish, including a head-to-head in the last round. May be the difference between top8 finish.
Parramatta Only one away game (‘home’ at ANZ). Only one top 8 team in their schedule, Broncos, but they play them twice. Their current negative for/against will need to be supplemented with some big scoring wins, should finish in the top 4.
Cowboys without their two captains, have had team members put their hands up and accept more workload They play alternate home/away each week, with once again one of the hardest and best games to watch (V Broncs) at the end. Normally buggers both teams. Maybe not top 4, but definitely in the 8. With style and class!
Sharks suffered a post-Origin slump last week, but should now have some good wins before a tough month to finish as they play away three of four games. Will make the elimination finals, week one.
Manly has two home games and a couple of tough away runs (Melbourne and NZ), makes it vital to win the expected. Eels to knock them out of top four.
Brisbane have a majority of home games, but playing top sides. Some return players from Origin will boost them. I’m thinking they should finish 2nd after Round 26.
Roosters play four of the top six but should hold onto a top four spot, even with a couple of losses. I expect them to finish third.
The Storm has a grand run home to rack up wins and/or rest players ahead of the finals. It’s a near certain bet they’ll finish Minor Premiers for 2017.
