With 16 games left in the 2024 NRL season, the fight for the eighth spot in the finals is heating up.

The Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles having already secured their positions in the finals, it leaves a competition among five teams battling it out for the coveted eighth place.

The St. George Dragons, currently sitting in eighth with 28 points, are facing pressure after a loss to the Sharks.

This setback has given hope to the Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, and Raiders, all trailing by one win and eager to seize any opportunity that arises with two games left each.

NRL teams who can make finals

St George Illawarra Dragons (8th)

28 points, -120 point difference

The Dragons missed a chance to secure their spot in the finals when they stumbled against the Sharks on Sunday afternoon, with bookmakers currently pricing them as the -166.67 favourite with the leading NRL bookmakers.

Now their road to the playoffs is full of challenges. Their upcoming matches against an injury-stricken Eels team and a showdown with the Raiders will be crucial.

Securing the two wins will guarantee their first finals berth in six years.

Brisbane Broncos (9th)

26 points, +2 point difference
A single loss could be disastrous considering their weaker points difference compared to their competitors.

Considered out of contention two weeks ago, the Broncos have made a comeback with back-to-back wins against the Cowboys and Eels.

Their fate now rests on winning their two matches against the Dolphins and potentially an under-strength Storm team after they have already secured the minor premiership.

The Broncos have a chance to secure the spot if they win their two upcoming games and if the Dragons don’t perform.

Dolphins (10th)

26 points, -27 point difference

The Dolphins, who were once contenders, have seen their chances of making it to the finals decrease after losing five out of their six matches.

Their next crucial game is against the Broncos and Knights, which is a do-or-die situation for all three teams.

If they win both of those games and the Dragons lose one of their two games, they will be able to make it to the finals for the first time in their second year.

Newcastle Knights (11th)

26 points, -60 point difference
The Knights boosted their chances of reaching the finals by defeating the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.

They have two games at home against struggling teams like the Titans and Dolphins.

To keep their hopes alive, Newcastle needs to win both matches and hope that other teams like the Dragons, Broncos, and Raiders face bad results.

Canberra Raiders (12th)

26 points, -131 point difference
The outcome of the Dragons vs. Raiders game in round 27 might be the most crucial for them and the rest of the teams.

After causing an upset by defeating Penrith in round 24, the Raiders are still in contention for a spot in the finals.

Their upcoming matches against opponents like the Roosters and Dragons will be decisive. Canberra must win both games and rely on Dolphins, Broncos and Knights failures to claim that eighth position.

As the regular season comes to a close, the competition intensifies for the final spot in the NRL finals, setting the stage for thrilling moments as five teams battle fiercely to extend their season with only two games left to do it.

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