With only three weeks remaining in the NRL regular season, a clearer picture of the final ladder is emerging following a series of unexpected outcomes.
In Round 24, the Penrith Panthers, Cronulla Sharks, and North Queensland Cowboys struggled, while the Canterbury Bulldogs faced an uphill battle for finals contention. In contrast, the St George Illawarra Dragons celebrated their second consecutive victory for the season.
The Dolphins secured a crucial win, and the New Zealand Warriors along with the Newcastle Knights also achieved victories in their respective matches.
This week's results have shifted the standings at the top of the ladder, with the predicted positions showing only four teams maintaining their previous rankings heading into the weekend.
A total of six teams remain in the race for the minor premiership, while every team down to 12th still has a chance-albeit slim-for finals appearances, especially among the top nine teams.
Below is a breakdown of each team's upcoming schedule, their expected finish, and the scenarios that could play out for their best and worst outcomes with just three weeks left in this edition of The NRL Run Home.
The results from last round include:
Melbourne Storm lose to Penrith Panthers
Canberra Raiders defeat Brisbane Broncos
The Dolphins defeat Parramatta Eels
Newcastle Knights defeat Manly Sea Eagles
South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat New Zealand Warriors
St George Illawarra Dragons lose to Canterbury Bulldogs
Gold Coast Titans lose to Cronulla Sharks
Sydney Roosters defeat Wests Tigers
Note: For and against calculations have been done based on a maximum of 40 points per week.
Current position: 1st, 38 points, + 163
Byes remaining: 0
Games remaining:
Round 25: Wests Tigers (home)
Round 26: The Dolphins (home)
Round 27: South Sydney Rabbitohs (away)