Much like the Harold Matthews Cup, there are probably still 12 sides that could contest this year’s SG Ball Cup finals series.
Although unlikely, given their very tough draws over the final two rounds, both the Centurions (12th) and Knights (11th) could still force their way into the eight with back to back wins to finish the season.
The Centurions will have their hands full with the Tigers at Leichhardt on Friday night while the Knights head out west on Saturday to take on the ladder leading Panthers.
The two teams on eight points in WSAS (10th) and Melbourne (9th) have perhaps a more realistic chance of forcing their way in over the next fortnight, with Melbourne in particular having a fairly favourable draw.
The Storm would start favourites this weekend down in Cranbourne against Manly, and would then only need to knock off the Knights, who by next week may be mathematically eliminated from a top eight finish, to secure a spot in the finals.
For the sides currently in the eight, the scenario is a simple one… continue to win and you’re safe!
The two sides that look in the most danger are the Raiders and the Sharks who sit in 7th and 8th place respectively on nine points.
The Sharks face a tricky trip out to New Era Stadium to face the 2nd placed Eels while the Raiders host the Pirates down at Belconnen in a match they would be hopeful of winning given the circumstances.
Other matches this round see the Dragons seeking win number one when they host a Rabbitohs side that will be looking to push for a top four finish.
The Steelers are another side that will be eyeing off a top four finish and they will be looking to secure the two points when they host the Magpies at WIN Stadium on Saturday afternoon while out at Lidcombe Oval the Bulldogs host the Bears with both sides looking for win number one for the season.
Once again the NSWRL twitter account @NSWRL will be providing halftime and fulltime match scores and you can follow the account by clicking here.
Click here to view all of the kick off times for this weekend’s games
Click here to view the SG Ball Cup ladder after seven rounds
Click here for a full recap of all of the scores and scorers from round seven
