Matty Johns: Just seven teams left in the race to be 2024 NRL premiers

As we begin round eight of the 2024 season MATTY JOHNS says he has seen enough to put a pen through the premiership chances of over half the NRL’s clubs including three current high flyers.

Eight rounds in and you start to recognise a teams tendencies and true form. So who can win the title and who can’t? No ifs buts or maybes.

BULLDOGS … NO

Rapid improvers. The big signings from last year are finally firing and the left edge combination of Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, Bronson Xerri and Fox are one of the NRL’s most lethal. But to be considered a contender, they need one more dominant or dynamic playmaker and more punch through the centre field.

BRONCOS … YES

I have them equal favourites with the Panthers.

Their last month has been outstanding without vital players Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds.

This side has depth, talent, big game experience and swagger .

ODDS $3.50

The Dolphins are not premiership contenders – yet. Picture: Getty Images

DOLPHINS….NO

I’m certain it will be a yes this time next year.

The Dolphins need a few more fresh legs in the pack and an experienced playmaker will help too. Isaiya Katoa is going to be a superstar, but he needs another 12 months experience to be able to guide this team through to October. When they find that top-line half to partner Katoa into the long-term, they’ll start pushing for titles.

COWBOYS … NO

I don’t want to say no, but I can’t say yes.

I had high hopes for the Cowboys, but that’s diminished.

They’ve got all the vital ingredients, except the most important, attitude … or more specifically, defensive attitude.

DRAGONS …NO

Fast improvers under Shane Flanagan, but they’re still some time away from being a serious contender. They need extra speed and power through the middle and some athletic edge backrowers who can complement the playmakers.

Can anyone stop the Panthers? Picture: Getty Images

PANTHERS …YES

They’ve been at the top a long time now but are showing no signs that their desire is subsiding. They have established combinations, depth and the best player in the competition, who they can still win without when they need to.

ODDS 3.50

KNIGHTS … NO

Having a horrible start to the season. There’s a complete over-reliance on Ponga which is a problem in itself, made even worse by the fact that Kalyn‘s out for at least eight to 10 weeks.

I’ve seen no previous evidence to suggest the Knights will handle his absence.

SHARKS….YES

Excellent in the first two rounds, their big loss to the Tigers dampened my enthusiasm, but they’ve bounced back strongly since.

They’ve worked hard on their style, now playing a more power based game.

A style designed to win big end of season matches.

ODDS 14-1

ROOSTERS … YES

I liked the look of the Roosters leading into the season, they looked strong in the trials and were outstanding in round 1. But they find themselves in the same predicament as last season and the season before, inconsistency and an inability to bed down a successful style of play. Again, struggling to fulfil expectations and my confidence is eroding.

ODDS 12-1

Can the inconsistent Roosters keep finding new ways to lose. Picture: Getty Images

SEA EAGLES … YES

A Smokey.

Strong squad, a powerful pack, fast outside backs and a spine which contains DCE, Luke Brooks and Tom Trbojevic.

The forward pack is the key, their mood dictates team performance.

At their best they destroy opposition packs with their physicality, but lack consistency.

ODDS 16-1

WARRIORS … YES

I’m forgiving them for their poor showing last Friday, in the early season all their matches have been hard fought and the occasional dip is inevitable.

Their system of play is sound and expect them to get back to winning ways immediately.

They need to tinker with elements of their attack, this season yardage dominance hasn’t easily transferred into points.

ODDS 16-1

PARRAMATTA … NO

The second half performance against the Dolphins was a surrender.

I was impressed by the eels first few outings, but even coach Brad Arthur’s faith in this team must be evaporating.

The loss of Jamal Fogarty is a big one for the Raiders. Picture: NRL Imagery

RAIDERS …NO

Easy to admire their guts.

First and foremost they make themselves a hard side to beat. But that fighting style is difficult to emulate week to week and that’s shown in some big losses.

The loss of Jamal Fogarty for three months is a huge blow.

TITANS … NO

There was expectation that the Titans could break into the top eight, but it’s been a disastrous season so far. There’s been improvement the last two weeks, but losing is like smoking, once it becomes a habit it’s very hard to break.

STORM … YES

I didn’t see them as a heavyweight contender, but how wrong I was.

The spine speaks itself, but it’s the forwards who are powering the ship.

Last season the pack looked one paced and vulnerable but after an off-season of hard work they are back dominating the centre field.

ODDS $6

BUNNIES … NO

The bad habits, which trickled into this team, have now totally taken over.

They lack discipline and confidence is low.

It will take a mighty effort to even get a sniff of the finals.

TIGERS… NO

I like what Benji is building, at full strength they’re a formidable challenge.

But they lack depth of quality in the creative positions and an athletic middle would be a big boost.