NRL 2024 Finals Power Rankings

It is a whole new game now that the NRL Finals series begins this weekend. The previous Power Rankings will only count for so much and each team has an opportunity to be rewarded for strong, consistent play over the next 4 weeks. This will mean different things to each team and with some facing a sudden death situation in the first week, the pressure on each team is set to grow. NRL fans will benefit most from this exciting, exhilarating action on the field. Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at all 8 teams heading into this weekend and their chances to help your cause to find a winner. 

2024 NRL Finals Power Rankings

1^st – Melbourne Storm ($2.50)

The most dominant team across the season and only appear to be getting stronger. Expect Papenhuyzen to return and playing at home, where they possess a 75% win record, places them in a strong position to make the Grand Final ($1.50). A lot would have to go wrong on consecutive weeks, to see them bundled out of the Finals. Their strength is playing fast through the middle, with their pack able to generate momentum for a clever and lethal spine to work off. The favourites to take out the competition for a reason. Watch this space. 

2^nd – Penrith Panthers ($3.40)

The Panthers chances rest on the should (or injured shoulder) of Nathan Cleary. His absence has been felt in recent weeks. Despite being a capable team, the chance to win 4-straight premierships will be impacted if their best player is unavailable. It will be interesting to see how they perform against the Roosters. There is no doubt that they are a capable team with weapons across the park; teams are beginning to figure them out though and they have proven vulnerable at different points in the season. More will be known by the end of this weekend, especially with the performance (and return) of Cleary. 

3^rd – Sydney Roosters ($7)

The Roosters Premiership hopes took a dive when they lost 3 key players in the same match. Such is their depth, they have still managed to finish 3^rd. While not completely tested just yet, they can expect to be pressured by the better teams in the competition. Traveling to play the Panthers in Week 1 is exactly the challenge which most would fear. If they can get through this week, there is no limit to what they can achieve. They have the talent and power within their team to defeat any opponent on their day. 

4^th – Cronulla Sharks ($13)

Despite suffering some key injuries throughout the year and losing 6 matches in 8 games, the Sharks have managed to maintain a spot in the Top 4. It is a fair effort from a team who is yet to reach their potential; questions still linger about their chances also as they have faulted at different hurdles in the past. If there was a team that is gritty enough to go further than expected, it would be the Sharks. Their most recent effort against the Sea Eagles suggests confidence is returning to their ranks also. Shouldn’t be overlooked as the 2^nd best defensive team either. 

5^th – North Queensland Cowboys ($19)

It is a fair achievement for the Cowboys to finish in 5^th position given the lows they have experienced this season. Surprisingly possessing the highest amount of Origin players, this team is still likely to be thought of as an underperformer in 2024. Teams above them will still be worried about what they produce in attack. Unfortunately for them, their defence is still an issue. They have conceded the highest number of points of any team inside the Top 8 and have the second worst points difference. Perhaps playing away from home may benefit them; they have won 8/13 games this season in this manner. 

6^th – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs ($21)

Things were going so well for the Bulldogs after they captured a spot in the Finals and appeared a chance of pushing for the Top 4. It has all unravelled in the past two weeks though, with their usually resolute defence looking void of answers. There is no doubting their talent or ability to play a style which is difficult to defend. Confidence is key in rugby league though and they will need a strong start against the Sea Eagles should they be out to prove that the last few weeks were noting to be concerned about. 

7^th – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles ($21)

Have limped into the Finals on the back of a poor showing against the Sharks. It hasn’t helped that they were without star fullback Tom Trbojevic; if he is unavailable or suffers another injury, expect the Sea Eagles to fall away. Have plenty of question marks lingering over their defence too. Having only won 4 games away from home this season also demonstrates the shortcomings of this team. 

8^th – Newcastle Knights ($61)

Fortunate to feature in the Finals after winning 2 sudden death matches over consecutive weeks. That will give them the confidence necessary to perform well but face a tough take of heading to Townsville for their match this weekend. Have found points hard to come by and it is reflected in their -40 points difference. If they get through the first week of matches, they would only be making the numbers up as most others above them appear to be far superior in every area. 

Prediction & Best Bets

The Storm are in the best position to make the Grand Final and that is the play. Outside of that option, the value play is for the Sharks to make there as their opponent ($4.50). They have the second-best defensive record in the competition and can produce a gritty performance when needed. That may sound like there is a ‘knock’ on the Panthers; there isn’t, they’re a capable team. If things go their way and Cleary is fit, they will likely go up against the Storm in the decider. Unfortunately, it appears as though a team outside the Top 4 is unlikely to win the Grand Final, let alone make the decider. 

Storm to make the GF ($1.50 at Ladbrokes) – 2 Units

Storm/Panthers GF ($3 at Neds) – 1 Unit