Round 24 of the NRL delivered upsets, breakout performers, and a few big warning signs. Here are the three biggest takeaways every fan needs to know — and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
1. The Top Four is Wide Open
With three rounds left, the top four is still wide open. Melbourne’s win over Penrith on Thursday night had the biggest top four implications: it kept the Storm in touch with first-placed Canberra, moved Penrith to fifth, and put the NZ Warriors back into the top four after they beat St George Illawarra. Canterbury-Bankstown (36 +120) lost to the Sydney Roosters, and are likely to stay in third place.
Though it may be a temporary reprieve for the Warriors (32, +12), with Penrith (31, +115), Brisbane (30, +114), and Cronulla-Sutherland (30, +67) on their tail. The Panthers, Broncos, and Sharks all have better differentials, so the Warriors must win their last three games (Gold Coast, Parramatta, Manly Warringah) to stay in fourth.
Then there’s the minor premiership battle between Canberra (40, +168) and Melbourne (38, + 252). Next Friday will be crucial, with Canberra playing Penrith and Melbourne playing Canterbury. A Penrith win slots them back into fourth while opening the door for Melbourne to jump Canberra into first place.
2. The Tigers Keep Improving
While the Wests Tigers will miss the finals for the 14th straight season, there’s definitely signs of improvement in 2025, and they’ll comfortably avoid a fourth-straight wooden spoon.
They’ve won three of their last four, beating the Gold Coast, Canterbury, and Manly Warringah. Jarome Luai has been the marquee signing that the Tigers needed: he’s played in 18 games and in eight of the Tigers’ nine wins. And Adam Doueihi has arguably been the Tigers’ player of the season: he’s played 20 games for 135 points and has played at halfback in their last two wins over the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles. Could this be his new home?
They’ve again had their share of off-field drama, but the headlines have galvanised them as they’re now focusing on the players who want to be there.
With games against North Queensland, Canberra, and the Gold Coast, the Tigers could finish with 11 wins: enough to give fans hope of an even better 2026.
Embed from Getty Images3. The Roosters’ Revival
As one of the glamour Sydney clubs, the Roosters are used to success. But the long-term injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith (as well as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ departure) towards the end of 2024 shifted expectations: rather than being a premiership contender, they’d do well to play finals in 2025.
But the Roosters are in eighth after three straight wins. Friday night’s win against Canterbury was an impressive display against a premiership contender: the Roosters carried on from their Dolphins demolition, with a hat-trick to Daniel Tupou and two tries to Naufahu Whyte. It was an important reversal of their earlier clash this year: the Roosters led 14-0 at half-time but lost 24-20.
It’s no surprise that Sam Walker has been a crucial part of their revival (with support from Hugo Savala): since his return in round 19 Walker’s played in four wins from six games and kicked 32 goals from 33. And Rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase has been a breakout star, scoring 16 tries in 19 games, with a hat-trick against The Dolphins, four games with two tries, and a try of the year contender.
The Roosters finish with Parramatta, Melbourne, and the traditional final round clash against Souths. They should win at least two of those and book themselves an elimination final.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat stood out most for you in Round 24? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
