It is crunch time for the top eight.
The Parramatta Eels for one have given critics a reason to believe that they can be the next drought-breaking premier with their 52 – 34 win over competition favorites Brisbane Broncos last Thursday.
While the Melbourne Storm maintain a strong hold at the top of the ladder, the spots that follow theirs could be for anyone.
The Brisbane Broncos were the close favourite until last Thursday when the Parramatta Eels reminded them why, having Semi Radradra on their side is something to worry about.
Radradra executed what is deemed as the fastest try in NRL ever. This was the opening try of Round 24 wa done in just 12 seconds, earning himself the name “ Semi-Trailer”.
The move gained the Brisbane Broncos to go as far as scoring 34 points.
But the Eels kept sliding in the tries till full-time, securing 52 points to their name and leap-frogged their way into the fourth placing on the ladder.
While it was a long climb for the Roosters, coming up to the 2nd spot after sitting at the bottom earlier in the season.
The defending Premiers in the Cronulla Sharks, are also looking at putting up a fight in the finals, despite losing by two points to the Roosters over the weekend.
On the other hand, Manly will need to play their cards right from now on, to keep their finals hopes alive.
The 22-21 win over the Warriors shows very little about their ability to survive the knockouts according to critics.
While the Storms 64 – 6 win over the Rabbitohs maintains their comfortable lead.
