In the current NRL season, the competition for playoff spots is intense, with just four points separating 4th from 12th place. At this stage, only a handful of teams appear assured of making the finals, while others face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Zero Tackle has analyzed each team’s position and their remaining fixtures to determine who is likely to secure a spot in the finals and who might be planning for the 2025 season. The live ladder on their site updates with every score, providing real-time insights into the playoff race.
Melbourne Storm
leads the standings with 13 wins and 3 losses, comfortably ahead by four points. Despite enduring injuries, their remaining schedule, including matches against top contenders like the Panthers, should secure them the minor premiership.
Penrith Panthers
currently second, trails by four points. Their run-in features tough matchups with the Storm and the Dolphins, but strong performances in their final games could secure them 2nd place.
Cronulla Sharks
third with 10 wins and 5 losses, have slipped recently but have favorable fixtures ahead, giving them a good chance to secure a top-five finish.
Sydney Roosters
are fourth, facing injury challenges but benefiting from two remaining byes and a manageable schedule that should see them clinch a top-four spot.
Canterbury Bulldogs
surprisingly in fifth place, face a challenging path to maintain their position, needing to navigate tough away games against the Cowboys, Broncos, and Warriors.
The Dolphins
in sixth place have a bye to regroup before tough matchups against the Panthers, Roosters, and Storm, which will determine their playoff fate.
North Queensland Cowboys
in seventh, have a favorable run at home, with six of their last eight games in Townsville, making them strong contenders for a top-four finish.
St George Illawarra Dragons
face a daunting schedule against top teams, making it likely they will miss out on the finals despite their current position.
Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos
are both on the fringe of the top eight, with favorable remaining fixtures that could see them secure a playoff berth.
Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders
face uphill battles to break into the top eight, needing to improve their form against stronger opponents.
New Zealand Warriors
have an easier fixture list but need a significant turnaround to challenge for a playoff spot.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
have a tough road ahead and are unlikely to make the finals without a dramatic improvement in their performance.
Gold Coast Titans
face tough opposition and are at risk of finishing at the bottom despite being ahead of the Eels and Tigers.
Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers
face difficult paths to avoid the wooden spoon, with challenging fixtures and tough competition ahead.
Predicted final ladder
1. Melbourne Storm
2. Penrith Panthers
3. Sydney Roosters
4. North Queensland Cowboys
5. Cronulla Sharks
6. The Dolphins
7. Canterbury Bulldogs
8. Brisbane Broncos
9. Manly Sea Eagles
10. New Zealand Warriors
11. South Sydney Rabbitohs
12. St George Illawarra Dragons
13. Newcastle Knights
14. Canberra Raiders
15. Parramatta Eels
16. Gold Coast Titans
17. Wests Tigers
In summary, while the Melbourne Storm appear poised to secure the minor premiership, the battle for the remaining playoff spots remains fiercely contested. Teams like the Panthers, Roosters, and Sharks have favorable paths, while others face significant challenges to extend their season into the finals.
