ROUND 26
The NRL season will finally reached its end this week and a lot of fans will be left wondering about the season that might've been. However, there is reason to celebrate for all fans this weekend. There are a few veteran players calling it a day and are playing their last games for the only club that they have ever played for. It would be great to go out and give these players the send off that they deserve. Apart from that though, the race for the final few spots is still on and teams are getting desperate for a win to get them over the line. This generally produces some really good football and you can be sure that Round 26 will cap off what has been a fantastic season that has been full of action throughout. Go further north on the table towards the Top 6 and there is still a fight between teams for crucial positions in the semi finals that can give a side home field advantage and even a "second chance" if a loss occurs. Get ready to say goodbye to the NRL regular season but ready yourself for a great final round that will be a fantastic lead in to the NRL finals.
1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = The Bulldogs winning streak came to an end in bizarre fashion as they were thumped by the Raiders in Canberra. They still are one of the sides to beat and teams should now be even warier of the Bulldogs now after this lost.
2 (2) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Another good win by Manly over a side that they could potentially face in the finals. They play good, tough football and are happy to defend a lead. One problem though must be their low scoring in the second half in recent weeks.
3 (3) Melbourne Storm = Came from behind to get a win over the Sharks in the last minute of MNF for the season. It was two points that ensures they will either finish 1st or 2nd but they must be worried about the amount of errors they had. Always a team to be feared with the "Big 3" running hot for them.
4 (4) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Back into the winners circle with a dominating display over the Eels. Yes it was only the Eels, but it was a far better performance than just scraping home. Inglis is on fire! They need to play with confidence within the halves as their forwards are doing the work up front.
5 (5) North Queensland Cowboys = Produced a performance that is worthy of their place on the table. When Bowen and Thurston are clicking, the Cowboys look like one of the hardest teams in the competition to beat. Their forwards are another pack that is getting the job done up front.
6 (6) Cronulla Sharks = Were extremely unlucky to lose in the fashion that they did on MNF. They were the better side. But at least this wasn't a semi final loss. They face the Cowboys this week and will be up for a challenge. It is semi final time for the Sharks now.
7 (9) Canberra Raiders = Only a few weeks ago the Raiders looked dead and buried. But something has changed down in the nations capital and they are now inside the Top 8 and it is theirs to lose. They must beat the Warriors in NZ to cement their spot. Once they get there, anything is possible. Just which Raiders side will turn up?
8 (10) Brisbane Broncos = The Broncos losing streak continues, at least this week it was a better performance. Or was it? They did score the last try right on the bell to almost give a misconception to the scoreboard. They are trying but are lacking confidence. It is definitely resting upon the shoulders of their halves who are not directing the side.
9 (8) Gold Coast Titans = The Titans should be embarrassed at how their season has ended. They had to win to keep their finals hopes alive and they were beaten by a side that was more desperate for a victory. Only playing for pride to end an under performing season.
10 (12) St George Illawarra Dragons = The Dragons did what they had to do against the Warriors. Win so that Ben Hornby and Dean Young would remember their last ever Dragons home game. They did more than beat the Warriors and showed an attacking spark which has been lacking from their play this season.
11 (7) West Tigers = The Tigers are virtually out of the finals and only have themselves to blame. They were woeful against the Roosters and like the Titans, they were outplayed by a side that was more desperate than them. If they beat the Storm, they are a chance to make the finals. Even if they did, can you see them lasting past Week 1?
12 (11) Newcastle Knights = Were not disgraced against the Cowboys but still are a side that is lacking a certain factor from their play to make them a team to be feared. They are now focused on 2013 and should aim to reward their loyal fans with a win in front of them on Friday night on "Old Boy's Day".
13 (14) Penrith Panthers = Have officially avoided the spoon and produced a performance that can only have Panthers fans excited for next season. Things are starting to come together and the mood within the club will be better during the off season because of their recent run. Still work to do though to be a contender for 2013.
14 (15) Sydney Roosters = Produced a performance that surprised everyone, but no one more than the Tigers. This is the play that their young side should have been producing in their last 10 games. One game to go and their focus should be on winning 2 on the trot to end a poor season.
15 (13) Parramatta Eels = Have officially "won" the wooden spoon for 2012 with a pounding loss to the Rabbitohs. They were dominated in every area of the game and are just hanging out for the end of the season. One game to go and their motivation will be high to send Hindmarsh and Burt out of the game as winners.
16 (16) NZ Warriors = The NRL should use all its power and strip the Warriors of their points so that they win the spoon. They are a terrible side to watch and there was not only a trouble with the coach, but the players as well. They have under performed and depending on the new coach, some players should be sacked altogether.
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