Potential Finals Scenarios

[LeCoq]

The Minor Premiership would be great but I think we really need to finish in the top two; secure the home semi first up. Unfortunately, that might be to the potential advantage of bloody Souths.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-...-1227492539499


If Souths fail to win tonight (fingers crossed they fail) - their top four chances take a big dip. If Melbourne wins this week, they will be in fourth spot. Assuming we stay in either first or second spot, it looks like we could play any of the Cowboys, Souths or Melbourne at home. I don't see Brisbane being lower than second.

Of those, I'd prefer to play the Cowboys in week one but any of them will do.

3 weeks to go.

[John Corey]

I don't think there is a preference. All 3 will be tough.
And we still have plenty of business to take care of to stay top 2. Broncos, Manly, Souths. Our toughest run of the season.

[horrie hastings]

The scary thing is we are capable of winning all 3 games but also capable of losing all 3 games too, it is a very tough last 3 games.

[Game Fowl]

Tough run home alright, you have to bet the best to be the best - sooner or letter they all must fall.

Losing to any of these in the lead up to the Final Series is not necessarily the final death knell, cause it strengthens our position and attitude coming into the Final Series.

It is a well perceived notion that we lose to teams we know we can beat because of complacency.

[Spirit of 66]

We can probably retain a Top 2 position even if we drop one of the last three games. Dropping two would make it virtually impossible.

I think Robbo has the right attitiude - a home semi would be nice, but "we play where we play".

The comforting thing is that we are 99.9% guaranteed a Top 4 spot even if we lose all 3 games. (Melbourne are the only mathematical threat if they can overcome their current for and against deficit compared to us.)

[Thirteen]

Good thread.
Not having to play away in week 1 is a big advantage.

[Andrew Walker]

Good thread.
Not having to play away in week 1 is a big advantage.

If i had the choice and could only take 1 Id take playing at home in week 3 as opposed to week 1. The NRL would love for us to finish 1st with Brons and Cows 2nd and 3rd This ensure there is a match in QLD in week 1,2 and 3

[DirtyHarry]

Being totally selfish but wouldn't have minded us finishing 3rd & Broncos 2nd - get to go and see us play at Suncorp. I know this is unlikely to happen.

[LeCoq]

There are two massive games next week - neither involving us - which will likely determine the make up of the top four and its order.

Brisbane v. Souths

Melbourne v. Cowboys

If Souths loose to Brisbane (off the back of a potential loss tonight) - they're top 4 hopes are shot (assuming Melbourne or potentially even Cronulla wins both of their games). There is also a distinct possibility that the Cowboys may not make the top four at all if they loose to the Warriors this weekend (NZ is still within top 8 reach and know it) and to Melbourne away next week. The Cowboys' for and against is on par with Souths and inferior to Melbourne's.

[2026]

Tonights Souffs v Mutts game should be quite entertaining. I hope they bash the daylights out of each other and spend the next 3 days in bed recovering.

It'll be interesting to see who gets the rub of the green with Souffs vying for a top 4 finish or the Dogs who are in a battle for 7th/8th.

[roosterproud]

14 consecutive wins to make the finals. hmmm need to do the stats. a loss after the drongos will be fine. then the nein cronies wont death ride our winning streek

[The Axe]

i wonder if the Dogs will be allowed to win tonight....

[The Axe]

notice the phone chucker is in the crowd. all we need is 5 shots of mrs burgearse

[Bigchook]

Tonights Souffs v Mutts game should be quite entertaining. I hope they bash the daylights out of each other and spend the next 3 days in bed recovering.

It'll be interesting to see who gets the rub of the green with Souffs vying for a top 4 finish or the Dogs who are in a battle for 7th/8th.

Tbh I don't think souths have had anywhere near as good a run this year as last. The sharks on the other hand have been gifted their position on the ladder. Cows have had a great run of calls as well. I don't know where to get the stats but surely the sharks are leading the comp in penalties. They're clearly coached for it. Flanagan is a deadset grub.

[Kingbilly]

If we lose one I hope its the Manly game. If we lose that one there is a wonderful chance that $ouff$ will miss the 8