NRL Round 24: What the Roosters’ win over the Dolphins means for the finals race

The Roosters can end Parramatta’s season on Friday night and set up their own, after a comeback win over the Dolphins kept them right in the finals race.

And then there were 10. The Roosters have kept their finals hopes alive with a 30-14 win but you can put a line through the Eels and Sea Eagles in terms of top eight aspirants.

Billy Smith starred, so too did Drew Hutchinson while James Tedesco continued his run of good form as the Roosters recovered from an 8-6 half-time deficit.

The Roosters late season resurgence means they are now within striking distance of a finals spot which seemed unlikely just a month ago. At their lowest point they sat 14th on the competition ladder and have not been in the top eight since round 10.

Drew Hutchison starred in the Roosters’ win. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Now with three wins in their past four games the Roosters will be just two points out of the top eight by the end of this round.

They still have a steep hill to climb with the Roosters needing to win their final three games to ensure they remain in the finals mix.

They can end Parramatta’s season on Friday night when they take on an injury ravaged Eels. They will back themselves to win that match, followed by another victory against the last placed Tigers.

Their spot – and potentially South Sydney’s – could come down to a final round blockbuster between the arch rivals.

As did Billy Smith who received the Artie Beetson Medal. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Newcastle looks the most shaky to hold onto a top eight spot even if they beat Canterbury on Sunday to extend their winning streak to six.

The Knights have two tough games against South Sydney and Cronulla before closing out the season with St George Illawarra.

The Rabbitohs stop-start season continued with a 26-14 win against the Dragons on Saturday afternoon to as they look to prove themselves again as a premiership threat.

Cronulla’s fortunes have changed quickly from on the brink of the top eight to now pushing for a top four spot.

Which leaves the Roosters, South Sydney, Newcastle and North Queensland competing for the final two top eight spots.

Originally published as NRL Round 24: What the Roosters’ win over the Dolphins means for the finals race