The 2024 NRL season proper is winding up with a frantic chase on for one remaining spot in the finals. Tipping a perfect round is nearly impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Cronulla Sharks vs. New Zealand Warriors - PointsBet Stadium, Saturday August 31, 7:35pm AEST
Last week was not a good one for this column, after selecting the Panthers to have no trouble with the Raiders. This week, I have steered clear of the Storm who are travelling to Townsville with a weakened squad, and the Panthers, who really don't need the added pressure as they face losing three-in-a-row.
The Sharks were impressive last week in dominating the Dragons, and this week host the Warriors knowing that they are still involved in an intense battle to remain in the Top 4. The season is all but over for the Warriors and they couldn't find the motivation to win for Shaun Johnson at home last week, so you have to wonder whether they will even run out for this one.
It has been one of the most disappointing seasons in the history of the New Zealand club, and the Sharks should weather any early onslaught from them before lethargy and errors see them sink to another loss.
The round 26 sure thing is: Sharks
The toss of the coin
Parramatta Eels vs. St George Illawarra Dragons - CommBank Stadium, Saturday August 31, 3pm AEST
I made the mistake of thinking the Dragons could win their toss of the coin game last week against the Sharks, seeing they were at home and had so much riding on the result. This week they travel to Parramatta with the knowledge that another loss will see them drop out of the Top 8. They have all the motivation in the world.
The Eels have been good in parts, scoring plenty of points but conceding more thanks to terrible errors with the ball and in defence. The Eels have good reason to give their all as well, as the last thing they need before the new coach arrives is to claim another wooden spoon. Regardless of this result they need to beat the Tigers in the final round in what has been dubbed the "Spoon Bowl" at Campbelltown.
This game could go either way, but I am going to give the Dragons one more benefit of the doubt and assume that they will hand in one of their better performances in order to keep the hungry pack chasing them at bay.
Toss of the coin game winner: Dragons
The roughie
Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos - Suncorp Stadium - Saturday August 31, 5:30pm
The Dolphins have fallen into a deep dark hole of late, winning just two of their past nine games as they tumbled out of the Top 8. They are now one of four teams on 26 points chasing hard on the tail of the Dragons who are on 28 points in eighth position. The Broncos are another of the four teams still with finals aspirations and have the best for and against differential of the lot, including the Dragons.
Suffice to say, this Suncorp Stadium derby has enormous ramifications, with the losing team packing up their tent for the season, with one round remaining. The Broncos have shown signs of improvement lately with Adam Reynolds stepping it up against the Eels last week. Coach Kevin Waters is convinced that they will make the finals. They face the Dolphins this week before a final round clash with minor premiers Melbourne.
Going on form, the Broncos should win this one, but I have a feeling that Wayne Bennett and his Dolphins will be planning something special. There is no way Bennett will want to end his Redcliffe tenure with a whimper, it is just not his style. There could be a surprise awaiting the Broncos and a re-awakening of the Dolphins finals hopes.
Round 26 roughie: Dolphins
Click here for a full guide to Round 26 of the 2024 NRL season