NRL 2024: Run to the finals, how Luke Brooks, the Bulldogs and Dragons can break droughts

Don’t be surprised if NRL clubs follow the Tigers’ decision to let John Bateman play out the rest of the season in the Super League. It’s smart business and makes sense for those out of finals contention, writes MICHAEL CARAYANNIS.

Don’t be surprised if clubs start using the UK John Bateman decision as a bit of a workaround to relieve some salary cap pressure.

The Tigers will save about $150,000 by allowing Bateman to play out this season in the Super League. Smart business.

What’s to stop other clubs from doing the same?

If you’re a young kid who wants to experience the world a little bit why not finish out the season in the Super League? You get your travel fix, you play at a top level and then you can return to your club side.

It makes sense for those out of finals contention.

The Wests Tigers’ John Bateman deal will likely be copied. Picture: NRL Photos

The lateness of the Super League trade window ending – August 2 – opens up the opportunity for players and clubs in Australia to explore this.

Whether it be a player leaving at the end of the season, a guy who could get more first grade experience or a club who is tight on their cap, there could be a host of reasons why this could eventuate more and more often now it has been allowed.

RUN TO THE FINALS

Drought-enders and a humble apology.

That’s how the run home looms as we count down to the finals.

Luke Brooks – who played his 224th match on Saturday night – will end the longest finals drought in the NRL when his Sea Eagles qualify in the top eight and are genuine premiership contenders should they stiffen their defensive resolve.

Brooks playing in September won’t be the only drought breaker though with either St George Illawarra or Canterbury set to claim a finals spot.

The Dragons have won one finals game since Wayne Bennett left in 2011.

The Bulldogs are in many ways the sleeping giant in the NRL given their history of success and the fact they are in the midst of their longest period without a finals appearance since the 1950s. The sense of anticipation in Belmore is high and anyone who's been to a Bulldogs game recently knows their boisterous fan base is already getting excited.

Regardless of their final placing, both sides should be proud of what they have achieved this year. Many – not me though (take note coach Shane Flanagan) – predicted the Dragons to come last.

They aren’t there yet but by my calculations they should sneak in provided they beat the Bulldogs in round 23.

So coach Flanagan your apology might be forthcoming.

Equally important to many fans is the wooden spoon battle, which will come down to the last game of the year between the Tigers and Parramatta.

The Tigers will join rare company if they finish last three years in a row, while the Eels are closing in on the Magpies’ record of 18 last-placed finishes.

The Eels have finished with the wooden spoon 14 times.

😂 Cop that @MCarayannis

Shane Flanagan joined the team on ABC Sport to talk about his Dragons who currently sit 8th.

Listen to that full chat here: https://t.co/GuT81a8ljWpic.twitter.com/LDYE3otk6t

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) July 4, 2024

THE KEY MATCHES EACH ROUND

ROUND 22

Tigers v Cowboys: A tricky game for North Queensland to take on the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. The Cowboys have won just one of their past 10 games at the venue.

Prediction: Cowboys

ROUND 23

Dragons v Bulldogs: Does not get any bigger than this at Netstrata Jubilee Oval. Should be a sellout. The loser may kiss their season goodbye.

Prediction: Dragons

ROUND 24

Panthers v Storm: The two best teams going at it just weeks before the finals start. Will be a cracker. The winner will probably walk away with the minor premiership.

Prediction: Panthers

Art by Boo Bailey.

ROUND 25

Tigers v Sea Eagles: Luke Brooks will get a homecoming at Leichhardt Oval in a game which they need to win to ensure they lock in a top eight spot.

Prediction: Sea Eagles

ROUND 26

Dolphins v Broncos: The local derby with everything on the line. The Dolphins have a tough run home and if they are any chance of making the top eight they need to beat big brother.

Prediction: Broncos

ROUND 27

Bulldogs v Cowboys: Both sides may know the equation heading into the final game. It could be a winner takes all result.

Prediction: Bulldogs

Tigers v Eels: The spoon bowl. This match will most likely decide the last spot.

Prediction: Tigers