NRL Lowdown: How is your team placed for the 2017 NRL finals?

HOW is your team tracking in the charge to the finals? We run the eye over every NRL side as the business end of the season looms.

Broncos players celebrate a try against the Bulldogs.

THE finals are looming large as the business end of the season approaches and there are 13 teams still in the hunt to play finals football.

As the regular season heats up, we’ll be checking in with every club every week to check their chances of making it into September.

STORM

LADDER: First, 32 points (+126 points differential)

WEEKEND WRAP

Melbourne returned to winning ways after a week off, knocking over the Raiders in Canberra — but at what cost? They lost skipper Cameron Smith to a pectoral injury that could sideline him for a couple of weeks, while fullback Billy Slater was knocked out by a sickening hit from Sia Soliola.

INS AND OUTS

While initial reports he’d be sidelined for a month or more turned out to be false, Smith looks certain to miss at least this week. Slade Griffin would be his likely replacement at hooker. Slater is also unlikely to feature. Jahrome Hughes could some straight in, or Cameron Munster could switch to fullback and Ryley Jacks or Brodie Croft come in at five-eighth.

THE RUN HOME

Sea Eagles, Cowboys (away), Roosters, Knights (away), Rabbitohs, Raiders

PROGNOSIS

At full-time, the victory looked a costly one. But the positive injury report on Smith means the Storm’s minor premiership tilt remains on track. They’ll face a stern test against a Sea Eagles side smarting from a Round 20 thumping, but all things being equal Melbourne’s still the team to beat.

— Dominic Burke

ROOSTERS

LADDER: Second, 30 points (+77)

WEEKEND WRAP

What injuries? In a positive turn for the second-placed Roosters, the week they faced a serious drain on playing stocks due to injury was the same week they faced the cellar-dwelling Knights. The Roosters ran away with a 28-4 win, playing out the match largely untroubled despite fielding a number of rookies. The only blemish on the Roosters came in the 30th minute when Shaun Kenny-Dowall — the star they sacked just weeks ago — scored on debut for his new club.

INS AND OUTS

The Roosters will get some of the cavalry back this week with Boyd Cordner and Joseph Manu both expected to return from injury and illness respectively. That still leaves the Tricolours without starting fullback Michael Gordon and hooker Jake Friend. How the Roosters go without their star numbers one and nine remains to be seen following the win over the Knights. They weren’t really tested against the last place side and will face tougher opposition in the Cowboys.

THE RUN HOME

Cowboys, Sea Eagles (away), Storm (away), Tigers, Sharks (away), Titans

PROGNOSIS

The Roosters are playing finals football in 2017 and all that remains to be seen is where in the top eight they finish. How Trent Robinson manages this injury cloud will go a long way towards achieving the Roosters’ top four aspirations. They now have three tough games on the trot and that is where we will see how badly missed Gordon and Friend really are.

— David Campbell

Broncos players celebrate a try against the Bulldogs.

BRONCOS

LADDER: Third, 28 points (+98)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Broncos notched up their fourth win from the last five weeks, with a commanding 42-12 victory over the Bulldogs. Despite a sluggish start, Brisbane came alive in the second half and showed a lot of their potential for the run to the finals.

INS AND OUTS

Skipper Darius Boyd will be back this week for Brisbane, but Wayne Bennett will still have a selection headache given Kodi Nikorima played at fullback last week. The most obvious switch for Nikorima is to move back to the bench, but this means Benji Marshall would have to go back to reserve grade. Bennett has not given any indication on which utility he is planning to carry into Friday’s clash with Parramatta.

THE RUN HOME

Eels (away), Titans (away), Sharks, Dragons, Eels, Cowboys (away)

PROGNOSIS

The thing about Brisbane is, they are yet to truly reach their best form. That’s a scary sign for the rest of the competition given how well they are currently placed and how they have done without a number of big name players over the last few months. They do have some big clashes coming up with the Sharks plus two meetings with the hungry Eels, but they are in a very good place.

— Rikki-Lee Arnold

SHARKS

LADDER: Fourth, 28 points (+79)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Sharks were well below their best but did what was required in a 26-12 win over South Sydney. This win, along with a couple other favourable results, put them back in the box seat for a top four spot.

INS AND OUTS

Warriors (away), Raiders, Broncos (away), Cowboys (away), Roosters, Knights (away)

THE RUN HOME

The injury to James Maloney is a serious blow for the club — the Blues five-eighth will be out until Round 24 with a broken hand. Fa’amanu Brown is expected to slot in at five-eighth and while he’s a capable player, he doesn’t have Maloney’s class. Alternatively, Jack Bird may move into the halves with Kurt Capewell holding his place at centre.

PROGNOSIS

Cronulla had a down few weeks and despite getting back on the winner’s list, losing Maloney is a real blow. The Sharks will still be a tough outfit but they’ll have to rely even more on their powerful forward pack and strong defence — without Maloney, the points could dry up a little for the defending premiers.

— Nick Campton

James Maloney’s absence will hurt the Sharks.

COWBOYS

LADDER: Fifth, 28 points (+68)

WEEKEND WRAP

North Queensland may have sealed a fourth straight win without Johnathan Thurston against the Warriors on Saturday night, but they’ll have to improve on bland 24-12 performance with a host of heavyweight teams to come over the next month.

INS AND OUTS

Winger Javid Bowen made the most of his recall for Antonio Winterstein (calf) by scoring two tries, including a 90-metre last minute effort which wrapped up the two points. The Cowboys will be sweating on scans for forward Shaun Fensom, who exited the match with a rib injury in the second half. They can ill-afford more injuries to their middle third forwards.

THE RUN HOME

Roosters (away), Storm, Panthers (away), Sharks, Tigers (away), Broncos

PROGNOSIS

The Cowboys have simplified their game without Thurston and are relying on their star-studded forward pack to grind teams out of games. It may not be pretty but it’s getting the results they need to keep their top four hopes alive. The positive for their tough run home is they won’t have to rely on other results to go their way to get the double chance in September if they can perform.

— Jon Tuxworth

SEA EAGLES

LADDER: Sixth, 26 points (+57)

WEEKEND WRAP

Manly’s top four hopes took a real hit in their 52-22 loss to St George Illawarra and regardless of any talk of resting spine players Apisai Koroisau and Blake Green such a defeat is unacceptable for a team with premiership aspirations.

INS AND OUTS

Green and Koroisau will return this week, as will Brenton Lawrence and Matthew Wright. The return of the two spine players will help Manly’s cause as they look to continue their campaign for a top four finish.

THE RUN HOME

Storm (away), Roosters, Tigers (away), Bulldogs (away), Warriors (away), Panthers

PROGNOSIS

Conceding 52 points to a team who has struggled in attack for several weeks is a real black mark on the Sea Eagles’ title credentials. If Manly want to be serious premiership contenders, they have to make the top four. Only two teams in rugby league history have won the title from outside the four, and to make it you have to beat the teams you’re expected to beat. The finals are still a while away but this is a bad time for Manly to get the shakes.

— Nick Campton

The Sea Eagles’ title hopes took a big hit.

EELS

LADDER: Seventh, 26 points (-18)

WEEKEND WRAP

A late field goal from Corey Norman was enough to clinch a thrilling 17-16 win over Wests Tigers. The victory solidified Parramatta’s place within the top eight, but it came at a massive cost with a knee injury ruling Clint Gutherson out for the rest of the season.

INS AND OUTS

Gutherson’s season-ending ACL injury will likely result in Bevan French switching to fullback and Kirisome Auva’a or Josh Hoffman coming in on the wing.

THE RUN HOME

Broncos, Bulldogs (away), Knights, Titans, Broncos (away), Rabbitohs

PROGNOSIS

Gutherson has been Parramatta’s best player all season and his absence will hurt them greatly. French is a fine prospect but he’s yet to find his feet in the No. 1 jersey and will need to realise his potential in a hurry over the remaining rounds for Parramatta to stay in touch. Even with Gutherson’s spark from fullback, the Eels have struggled to put points on the board — only the Bulldogs, Tigers and Knights have scored less than them this season. They face a tough first test without him, up against the in-form Broncos before a run of winnable games.

— Dominic Burke

DRAGONS

LADDER: Eighth, 24 points (+82)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Dragons reinvigorated their finals aspirations with a dominant display against an in-form Manly outfit. The big recaptured their grunt up front, paving the way for skipper Gareth Widdop to pile on the points for his outside backs.

Jason Nightingale and Euan Aitken both snared doubles, while rookie back Matt Dufty excelled on debut at fullback with a try and 188 running metres.

INS AND OUTS

Forward Joel Thompson could be sidelined for a number of weeks after hurting his ankle in the warm-up prior to Sunday’s win over Manly. Drew Hutchison (knee) is back running and could return in the coming weeks.

THE RUN HOME

Knights (Away), Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos (Away), Panthers (Away), Bulldogs

PROGNOSIS

By comprehensively beating a finals contender in Manly, the Dragons proved they can compete with the best. They also proved their season is far from over after consecutive defeats. The Dragons must know maintain this high standard to make the finals and have an impact in September. On the plus side, McGregor’s men have a relatively smooth run home — with four of their six matches against teams currently outside the top eight.

— Matt Logue

PANTHERS

LADDER: Ninth, 22 points (+29)

WEEKEND WRAP

It wasn’t their most polished performance of the year but Penrith got the cash 24-16 against Gold Coast.

INS AND OUTS

Matt Moylan is expected to play this weekend despite a hamstring injury but given the way Nathan Cleary shines in his skipper’s absence coach Anthony Griffin could consider resting the fullback-turned-five-eighth. No other changes are expected for Thursday’s showdown with Canterbury.

THE RUN HOME

Bulldogs, Tigers, Cowboys, Raiders (away), Dragons, Sea Eagles (away)

PROGNOSIS

The Dragons’ win over Manly makes Penrith’s run to the finals a little harder, but they have a favourable draw and a run of games at home. Their Round 25 clash with the Red V shapes as a winner-takes-all finals showdown.

— Nick Campton

Nathan Cleary on the charge for the Panthers.

RAIDERS

LADDER: 10th, 18 points (+21)

WEEKEND WRAP

Canberra entered their clash against last year’s preliminary final successors Melbourne with their season on the line.

Despite the Storm losing Cameron Smith and Billy Slater in the second half — with Canberra maintaining their own 13 — the Raiders were unable to ring in the competition leaders, eventually falling 20-14 in the nation’s capital.

INS AND OUTS

Foul play has all-but ended what little hope Canberra had left of playing finals football.

Jordan Rapana will miss one week for a shoulder charge on Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh Papalii has another game to serve for the same indiscretion on Josh Dugan and Sia Soliola faces a lengthy stint out for his controversial late shot on Billy Slater.

The starting side for Saturday’s clash with the Rabbitohs is a genuine mystery following Ricky Stuart’s shake-up of the line-up in recent weeks.

Should he stick with Josh Hodgson at lock, expect Joseph Tapine to take Soliola’s spot on the left edge.

After being named on the bench against Melbourne, although failing to take the field, new recruit Michael Oldfield will likely take Jordan Rapana’s place on the wing.

Scott Sorenson should earn a reprieve on the bench for his third game with the club.

THE RUN HOME

Rabbitohs (Away), Sharks (Away), Warriors (Away), Panthers, Knights (Away), Storm (Away)

PROGNOSIS

Horribly wounded, but not yet dead.

Despite wide-acceptance that Saturday’s loss put an end to Canberra’s unlikely finals aspiration, they shouldn’t concede their season just yet.

If they can somehow win their last six games — including away trips to Melbourne and Cronulla — the Raiders will finish on 30 competition points.

In previous seasons 28 points has been the magic number for finals qualification, this year 30 is the expected cut-off.

— Tim Williams

TITANS

LADDER: 11th, 18 points (-50)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Gold Coast’s finals hopes took a massive blow on the weekend, after they fell 24-16 to Penrith. They can now only afford to lose one more game in their march to September.

INS AND OUTS

The Titans can’t catch a break with injuries this year. Star centre Konrad Hurrell tore a hamstring in Saturday’s loss and is expected to miss the next four weeks. Utility Karl Lawton can play centre if need be, while Daniel Vidot may also be an option after spending most of the season with Burleigh.

THE RUN HOME

Tigers, Broncos, Dragons (away), Eels (away), Bulldogs, Roosters (away)

PROGNOSIS

There is no doubt the Titans have to produce some miracles if they are still to play finals footy. With the likes of the Broncos, Dragons, Eels and Roosters awaiting them over the next month, it’s going to be tough for them to work their way into the top eight.

— Rikki-Lee Arnold

WARRIORS

LADDER: 12th, 18 points (-50)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Warriors showed plenty of fight in Townsville but felt the loss of Shaun Johnson dearly and fell 24-12 to North Queensland.

INS AND OUTS

No changes expected for the Warriors. Solomone Kata was cited for dangerous contact but has avoided suspension with an early guilty plea.

THE RUN HOME

Sharks, Knights (away), Raiders, Rabbitohs (away), Sea Eagles, Tigers (away)

PROGNOSIS

New Zealand had one of their best performances of the season in Round 20, showing plenty of toughness to hang in against the Cowboys at a venue that has been most unkind to them in the past. If they played with the same spirit from the start of the season they’d be in a much better position. This loss all but ends their title hopes.

— Nick Campton

The Warriors played tough but couldn’t get past the Cowboys.

BULLDOGS

LADDER: 13th, 18 points (-89)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Bulldogs finals chances vanished before their eyes in a 42-12 drubbing at the hands of Brisbane.

INS AND OUTS

James Graham will come back into the team for Danny Fualalo after missing several weeks with a neck injury.

THE RUN HOME

Panthers (away), Eels, Rabbitohs (away), Sea Eagles, Titans (away), Dragons (away)

PROGNOSIS

This team needs the season to end. They are low on confidence, low on spark and any chance of a miracle run to the playoffs is dead in the water. Regardless of the possibilities of 2018, these last few weeks for Canterbury are a slow march towards doom.

— Nick Campton

RABBITOHS

LADDER: 14th, 16 points (-56)

WEEKEND WRAP

Souths were certainly spirited but failed to convert key attacking opportunities and fell 26-12 to Cronulla.

INS AND OUTS

No changes are expected for South Sydney this weekend apart from the possible return of Aaron Gray. Skipper Sam Burgess has been cleared of a rib fracture, instead diagnosed with a cartilage issue. He is in the running to play next week.

THE RUN HOME

Raiders, Dragons (away), Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm (away), Eels (away)

PROGNOSIS

Any chance of finals football is now dead in the water. These final few weeks should be used to experiment with potential line-ups that could be used in 2018. Ever since Greg Inglis went down with a knee injury in the season opener, this has been a difficult season for Souths and they’ll be glad to see the back of it.

— Nick Campton

TIGERS

LADDER: 15th, 12 points (-170)

WEEKEND WRAP

The Tigers were well and truly in the contest for the full eighty minutes against Parramatta. In the end the difference was an inability to come up with a matchwinning play and the Eels sealed a 17-16 victory on the back of a Corey Norman field goal.

INS AND OUTS

Forward Sauaso Sue is due back from suspension this weekend. Joel Edwards missed the Parramatta clash with concussion but should be available for selection. Young gun centre Moses Suli has been a notable omission from the starting side but is currently struggling to overcome a niggling ankle injury.

THE RUN HOME

Titans (away), Panthers (away), Sea Eagles, Roosters (away), Cowboys, Warriors

PROGNOSIS

Again the effort was there but when they needed their halves pairing of Luke Brooks and Tuimoala Lolohea to step up they just didn’t deliver. Some of Lolohea’s last-play options were questionable and Brooks struggled to build pressure off his boot. Coach Ivan Cleary says he can see the light at the end of the tunnel after a difficult year. Worryingly, two of his best players in recent times, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods, are departing the club at season’s end. Having said that, he is rightfully heartened by the enthusiasm and willingness his troops have displayed in recent times.

— Fatima Kdouh

James Tedesco on the charge for the Tigers.

KNIGHTS

LADDER: 16th, 8 points (-204)

WEEKEND WRAP

Newcastle had their moments but a late collapse put them on the wrong end of a 28-4 loss to the Roosters, a scoreline that did not reflect the competitiveness of the match.

INS AND OUTS

Chanel Mata’utia will likely miss a week after suffering a concussion in the second half but Jacob Saifiti could be back after missing some time with a calf problem.

THE RUN HOME

Dragons, Warriors (home), Eels, Storm, Raiders, Sharks

PROGNOSIS

Newcastle will be hellbent on scoring at least one more win this season and will have their eyes on the away match with Canberra and the home clash against the Warriors as the most likely candidates. It won’t make the wooden spoon vanish, but it’d be nice for the Knights faithful to land at least one more victory.

— Nick Campton