The NRL’s top eight is locked in as Penrith Panthers wrap up back-to-back minor premierships.
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders are all guaranteed to finish between sixth and eighth, with the Sharks-Raiders clash on Sunday determining who will play their elimination final at home and against whom.
The Panthers will host the New Zealand Warriors in the first week of the finals, after Penrith ended North Queensland’s finals hopes with a dominant 44-12 victory at Penrith stadium.
In Saturday’s opening match, the Warriors missed out on the chance to take third spot with a surprise 34-10 defeat against the Dolphins at Lang Park.
The Dolphins opened a 22-0 lead in the first half against a much-changed Warriors team to snap a six-game losing streak and end their maiden season on a high.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster said his team would not be derailed by the defeat, despite losing for the first time in seven weeks.
That defeat, coupled with the Panthers win, means Storm will take on the Brisbane Broncos in the other top-four match up.
The Storm beat the Broncos on Thursday night to extend their winning streak over Brisbane to 14 matches.
Meanwhile, Newcastle sealed fifth spot and a home elimination final with a 32-12 victory over the Dragons, their ninth win in a row.
English winger Dom Young scored two stunning tries to seal the win.
Look back on how all the action unfolded in our live blog.
Thank you for enjoying today’s NRL action with me.
Congratulations to the Panthers for yet another minor premiership.
Are they the team to beat in the finals? Hard to see otherwise.
I’ll be back tomorrow for the Titans vs Bulldogs and Sharks vs Raiders matches, when the finals fixtures will be sorted.
Until then, enjoy the rest of your Saturday.
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