NRL round 27 run home: Final predicted ladder and top eight finishing order

The race for the minor premiership and top eight spots will be decided in the final round of the season. See where every team is set to finish and who plays who in week one of the finals.

The NRL finals race goes down to the wire.

On field carnage and suspensions could cause big headaches heading into the final round of the NRL season.

The minor premiership is still up for grabs between the Panthers and the Broncos.

While at the bottom end of the top eight, there’s still positions to be settled with the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Raiders all needing to win this week to secure a spot in the finals.

How injuries and suspensions could derail those plans remains to be seen.

We’ve crunched the numbers to predict who makes the cut and who may have better luck next year.

1. BRONCOS

Won: 18, Lost: 5, Drawn: 0, Points: 42, Points Differential: 224

They have one more job to do without Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan and potentially Kotoni Staggs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. If they can beat Melbourne, they will win the minor premiership. If they lose, Penrith will claim it for the third time in four years.

2. PANTHERS

Won: 17, Lost: 6, Drawn: 0, Points: 40, Points Differential: 301

A shock loss to Parramatta last week has been costly for the Panthers. They will now miss star five-eighth Jarome Luai for an extended period with a shoulder injury. However, they can still finish first if they beat the Cowboys in Penrith on Saturday afternoon and Brisbane lose to the Storm.

3. WARRIORS

Won: 16, Lost: 7, Drawn: 0, Points: 38, Points Differential: 148

The Warriors have had a blessed run through the last few months, winning their last seven games heading into the final round. This is the first time they’ve had to travel in since the start of August, but they should handle the Dolphins even without Tohu Harris (back) and Luke Metcalf (hamstring) and finish third after a wonderful season.

4. STORM

Won: 15, Lost: 8, Drawn: 0, Points: 36, Points Differential: 158

Melbourne are already assured a top four finish after their big win over Gold Coast over the weekend, but it’s cost them halfback Jahrome Hughes (knee) who is unlikely to play the Broncos on Thursday night. However, it’s an opportunity for the Storm to make a statement on the eve of the finals and damage Brisbane’s minor premiership hopes.

5. KNIGHTS

Won: 13, Lost: 9, Drawn: 1, Points: 33, Points Differential: 155

After eight straight wins to earn a home semi final, the Knights have copped a big blow with in form fullback Kalyn Ponga to miss Saturday’s clash with St George Illawarra with a shoulder injury. They can drop no lower than sixth if they lose, but it’s a big concern heading into the finals.

6. SHARKS

Won: 13, Lost: 10, Drawn: 0, Points: 32, Points Differential: 104

The Sharks need a win to head into the finals with some form after a heavy loss to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. Star half Nicho Hynes is expected to make his return after missing the loss to the Knights, but they’ll face a desperate Raiders side also missing a few big names.

7. RAIDERS

Won: 13, Lost: 10, Drawn: 0, Points: 32, Points Differential: -119

The Raiders are clinging to the top eight despite their horrid run of form lately. A disappointing loss to the Broncos could also cost them troops, with Jamal Fogarty (eye) and Josh Papali’i (arm) under an injury cloud, while forward Corey Horsburgh is facing a multi-week suspension. It’s all come at an awful time for the Raiders who need a win to confirm their place in the finals.

8. RABBITOHS

Won: 12, Lost: 11, Drawn: 0, Points: 30, Points Differential: 73

The Rabbitohs are less than fresh off a bye after a shocking week of headlines and controversy surrounding the club. They’ll be without Latrell Mitchell when they face their old rivals on Friday night which sets up a huge game for both clubs. They simply need to win to make finals otherwise they’re out.

9. COWBOYS

Won: 12, Lost: 11, Drawn: 0, Points: 30, Points Differential: 36

A win over the Dolphins has kept the Cowboys alive in finals calculations, but they’ll have to hand Penrith their second-straight loss at home on Saturday to sneak into the top eight.

10. ROOSTERS

Won: 12, Lost: 11, Drawn: 0, Points: 30, Points Differential: -38

They had a big win over the Wests Tigers to keep their finals dream alive, but it’s caused them some carnage. Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is facing weeks on the sidelines and Joey Manu suffered a hamstring injury that has put him in doubt. Captain James Tedesco is set to return from a head knock though, and they need only to win to make the finals.

Originally published as NRL round 27 run home: Final predicted ladder and top eight finishing order