{"id":112479,"date":"2025-09-02T05:44:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T05:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/112479\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T05:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T05:44:11","slug":"rankings-recalibration-phins-a-real-crack-dogs-return-to-top-four-and-panthers-hard-to-read-nrl-power-rankings-round-26-nrl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/112479\/","title":{"rendered":"Rankings recalibration: Phins a real crack, Dogs return to top four and Panthers hard to read: NRL Power Rankings, Round 26 – NRL News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Round 26 set up a mouthwatering final round of the NRL<\/a> season.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for fans of eight teams, the season is officially over and the off-season now looms. The Cowboys have wrapped up a 2025 season that won’t be looked upon positively.<\/p>\n

For seven teams, Finals footy is locked in and the business end of the season is upon them.<\/p>\n

For the Roosters and Dolphins<\/a>, they have it all to play for this weekend. The Roosters can end all discussion on Thursday night with a win, but if they slip up, all attention will turn to Kayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n

This week sees a slight recalibration of the Power Rankings<\/a>. The purpose of each NRL<\/a> season is to win the competition. Rankings are now based on this.<\/p>\n

Results are still the main contributor but context matters. Just see the Panthers result on paper vs. reality for all the proof you need.<\/p>\n

With that said, we present the penultimate round of our NRL<\/a> Power Rankings<\/a> following Round 26:<\/p>\n

1. Canberra Raiders<\/a> (Last Week)<\/p>\n

The Raiders wrapped up their second ever Minor Premiership via a brilliant 24-10 win in Canberra on Saturday afternoon. Feeding us all plenty of crow in the process.<\/p>\n

Corey Horsburgh<\/a> has been the revelation of the season and capped it off with yet another monster game. Jamal Fogarty<\/a> and Joseph Tapine<\/a> were, again, massive for the Minor Premiers.<\/p>\n

Ricky’s men have earned the right to rest players in their final game against the Dolphins<\/a> this weekend. No matter what happens from here, what a season.<\/p>\n

2. Melbourne Storm<\/a> (2)<\/p>\n

Results have to matter but I’m not looking into Friday night’s result with any great urgency. I dare suggest Craig Bellamy<\/a> may view it differently, though.<\/p>\n

That second half in Melbourne was the stuff nightmares are made of. They were reduced to spectators at the Roosters ran in 40 unanswered points.<\/p>\n

Expect to see the big guns back for their season closer in Brisbane on Thursday night. The Storm need to win this to kick-start their Finals campaign.<\/p>\n

3. Brisbane Broncos<\/a> (3)<\/p>\n

The Broncos went a long way to wrapping up a top four spot on Saturday night by beating the Cowboys in Townsville.<\/p>\n

Again, it was\u00a0Reece Walsh<\/a> who saw the Broncos’ best moments come to be.\u00a0His post game celebration videos though, probably not ideal. Payne Haas<\/a> is bossing people for fun.<\/p>\n

A top four spot is on the line come Thursday night’s clash with the Storm. A win here and they become very, very dangerous.<\/p>\n

4. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs<\/a> (7)<\/p>\n

The Dogs jump three spots here as their walk in the park victory over Penrith wraps up a top four spot. They now become the real deal.<\/p>\n

The 28-4 victory can be taken with a grain of salt, considering the circumstances, but the Dogs did their part.Jacob Preston<\/a> was arguably the player of the round with his three tries.<\/p>\n

A clash with the Sharks presents a Finals preview this Saturday night. It will be interesting to see how many late changes eventuate for both teams.<\/p>\n

\"NRLBRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 04: Connor Tracey<\/a> of the Bulldogs scores a try during the round nine NRL<\/a> match between the Gold Coast Titans<\/a> and Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a> at Suncorp Stadium on May 04, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia<\/a>. (Photo by Chris Hyde\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

5. Cronulla Sharks<\/a> (6)<\/p>\n

Despite a slow start, the Sharks got it done against the Knights with a minimum of fuss. They not await the Broncos result on Thursday night to keep their top four chances alive.<\/p>\n

Will Kennedy started the game horribly but ended up best on ground. The Sharks’ bench dominated and swung momentum, just as you hope they would. Hynes had a good afternoon in the Shire sunshine.<\/p>\n

Their clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday night shapes as a Finals preview. Just how much is on the line will already have been decided before kickoff.<\/p>\n

6. Penrith Panthers<\/a> (5)<\/p>\n

Little, if anything, can be taken from the Panthers Thursday night loss to the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n

The next few weeks will prove whether or not Ivan Cleary<\/a> was right to rest 16 players. He handed the Dogs victory, let’s call a spade a spade.<\/p>\n

I expect most of Penrith’s players to return and use the clash with the Dragons this Saturday as a tune-up for Finals.<\/p>\n

7. Sydney Roosters<\/a> (8)<\/p>\n

At halftime on Thursday night the Roosters Finals chances looked to be slipping away. 40 unanswered points in the second half will calm your nerves though.<\/p>\n

Four tries to Mark Nawaqanitawase<\/a> lit up AAMI Park in the second stanza. Sandon Smith<\/a> put himself in the shop window will a brilliant effort. James Tedesco<\/a> wrapped up the Zero Tackle MVP Award and probably the Dally M.<\/p>\n

To qualify for Finals they need to beat old rivals the Bunnies on Friday night. The smart money is on them getting it done.<\/p>\n

8. New Zealand Warriors<\/a> (4)<\/p>\n

The Warriors top four hopes copped a brutal blow on Friday night. They will need both the Broncos and Sharks to come up short to regain that spot.<\/p>\n

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck<\/a>, Leka Halasima<\/a> and Chanel Harris-Tavita<\/a> all did everything in their power to guide the Warriors home but it was not meant to be.<\/p>\n

A difficult trip to Brookvale Oval awaits. Their fate may already be set by then but the Warriors need to find a win here for momentum heading into Finals.<\/p>\n

\"2025SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 07: Jacob Laban<\/a> of the Warriors is tackled by Chris Vea’ila<\/a> of the Sharks during the NRL<\/a> pre-season match between Cronulla Sharks<\/a> and New Zealand Warriors<\/a> at Sharks Stadium on February 07, 2025 in Sydney, Australia<\/a>. (Photo by Brendon Thorne\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

9. The Dolphins<\/a> (10)<\/p>\n

The Dolphins<\/a> kept their Top Eight hopes alive with an entertaining win over the Titans. They had to work hard for it, though.<\/p>\n

Trai Fuller<\/a> is so much fun. We need to see more of him. Tevita Naufahu<\/a> looks a real talent. Isaiya Katoa<\/a> continues to look the goods.<\/p>\n

The Phins will know on Friday night if they have Finals footy hopes or not. That said, either wa,y I’d expect a big win against a resting Canberra side at Kayo.<\/p>\n

10. Manly Sea Eagles<\/a> (9)<\/p>\n

I hate moving sides down following a win, especially a big one, but the fact is Manly are out of the competition. It would take three 50-0 results in their favour to qualify for Finals.<\/p>\n

That said, this past Saturday afternoon’s 40-24 win over the Dragons was a beauty.\u00a0Daly Cherry-Evans<\/a>\u00a0is finishing the season breathing fire, while\u00a0Corey Waddell<\/a> arguably had a career-best performance.<\/p>\n

They’ll wrap up their season in front of a sold-out Brookvale Oval crowd where they host the Warriors. They’ll look to send DCE out a winner.<\/p>\n

11. North Queensland Cowboys<\/a> (11)<\/p>\n

The Cowboys season ended on Saturday night with a 38-30 loss to the Broncos. A late try probably padded the score-line a little bit if I’m being brutally honest.<\/p>\n

Jason Taumalolo<\/a> was a monster in the middle. He needed more help. Scott Drinkwater<\/a> and Tom Dearden<\/a> had their moments.<\/p>\n

A bye this weekend means their off-season starts early. A long, long off-season ahead. Literally.<\/p>\n

12. Wests Tigers<\/a> (12)<\/p>\n

The Tigers game against Canberra went much like their season. Moments of brilliance, moments of being a distant second best. Like their season, it was more of the latter.<\/p>\n

Jahream Bula<\/a> has had a brilliant season and was again very good. He crossed for a try and topped the Tigers run metres. Something to build on there for sure.<\/p>\n

The Tigers have the chance to hand the Titans the wooden spoon on Saturday evening. That’s a story in itself.<\/p>\n

\"NRLSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: Taylan May<\/a> of the Tigers is tackled during the round 20 NRL<\/a> match between Wests Tigers<\/a> and Gold Coast Titans<\/a> at Leichhardt Oval, on July 20, 2025, in Sydney, Australia<\/a>. (Photo by Matt King<\/a>\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

13. South Sydney Rabbitohs<\/a> (13)<\/p>\n

The Bunnies have a chance to end their horror 2025 on a massive high this Friday night.<\/p>\n

Not only can they see Alex Johnston<\/a> break the all time try scoring record but they can deny old rivals the Roosters Finals footy.<\/p>\n

14. Parramatta Eels<\/a> (15)<\/p>\n

The Eels continue to deliver late victories, further annoying fans who will be asking where this was many weeks ago.<\/p>\n

Isaiah Iongi<\/a>, with his two tries, was best on ground and looks set for a three way shootout for Rookie of the Year honours.<\/p>\n

They’ll end the season with a home game against the broken Knights. Should be party time at Commbank.<\/p>\n

15. St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a> (14)<\/p>\n

The Dragons are absolutely limping to the end of the 2025 season. Despite moments of such promise, they’re likely to finish 10 competition points behind eighth spot.<\/p>\n

Christian Tuipulotu<\/a> and Jaydn Su’A<\/a> were probably their standout players in their 40-24 loss to Manly. Jacob Liddle<\/a> surely needs to start next season.<\/p>\n

With Penrith set to welcome back some, or all of their stars this weekend, even a home game looks a tough ask.<\/p>\n

\"NRLAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 15: Hayden Buchanan<\/a> of the Dragons warms up during the round 24 NRL<\/a> match between New Zealand Warriors<\/a> and St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a> at Go Media Stadium, on August 15, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand<\/a>. (Photo by Phil Walter\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

16. Newcastle Knights<\/a> (16)<\/p>\n

The Knights started their game with the Sharks brilliantly only on Sunday afternoon, racing out to a 10-0 lead before being mowed down.<\/p>\n

A 40\/20 and attacking set on the Sharks line could have set up the most unlikely of victories, but instead another big loss eventuated.<\/p>\n

They may need to beat the Eels to avoid the wooden spoon. It’s more likely they’ll need to rely on the Tigers to do them a favour.<\/p>\n

17. Gold Coast Titans<\/a> (17)<\/p>\n

The Titans loss to the Dolphins<\/a> followed the script from their entire season. Moments of brilliance. So much entertainment. Lots of points. A loss.<\/p>\n

AJ Brimson<\/a> has been the Titans best all season. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui<\/a> was big in the middle.<\/p>\n

The Titans need to beat the Tigers, albeit at home, on Saturday afternoon, otherwise they’ll collect the wooden spoon. Does Des Hasler<\/a> have one more coaching masterclass in him?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Round 26 set up a mouthwatering final round of the NRL season. Unfortunately for fans of eight teams,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":112480,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,761,762,158,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-112479","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nrl","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-national-rugby-league","11":"tag-nationalrugbyleague","12":"tag-nrl","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/112479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=112479"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/112479\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/112480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=112479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=112479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=112479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}