NRL Regular Season Enters Final Stretch
As the NRL regular season nears its conclusion, the battle for playoff positions is heating up. This weekend saw the minor premiership decided, with Melbourne thrashing the Dolphins to secure top spot. However, the race for the all-important final places in the playoffs and the top four remains wide open.
Cronulla maintained their spot in the top four with a win over rivals St George Illawarra, but Canterbury are hot on their heels after a victory in Auckland. Penrith, who were previously top, now sit fourth, but with two relatively easy fixtures to finish the season, they should be confident of holding on to their position. Manly’s loss to the Tigers has dented their chances of a home final, and they now need to win their remaining matches and hope the Cowboys slip up.
In a positive week, Canberra’s stunning upset of Penrith, led by the emotion-filled post-match interview of departing captain Elliott Whitehead, showcased the Raiders’ ability to rise to the occasion. However, it may be too late to impact their season significantly. On the other hand, Manly’s defensive lapses against the Tigers were a cause for concern, as they have struggled to protect leads against weaker opposition.
The standout performer of the weekend was Angus Crichton, who scored a hat-trick for the Roosters against the Titans. Crichton’s career resurgence, after overcoming mental health issues, has been one of the feel-good stories of the season.
“Refereeing decisions, particularly the use of the Bunker, continued to be a source of frustration, with inconsistencies and delays leading to growing impatience among fans and coaches.”
As the regular season enters its final two weeks, the race for the final playoff spot remains wide open, with several teams vying for the eighth position. The Bulldogs’ rise has been a highlight, and they are now firmly in the top four conversation.
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