NRL: What's up for grabs in the final round of games?

The final round of the NRL regular season is set to take place this weekend and there is still a lot to sort out before we enter into finals.

Melbourne Storm have already been crowned as minor premiers, but below them, the race to make the top eight, is red hot.

Penrith Panthers also have some work to do to ensure they stay in second spot on the ladder, with Sydney Roosters breathing down their necks.

Let’s take a look at some of the permutations heading into the final round of matches.

Second spot still up for grabs

Finishing in second spot on the ladder is huge as far as going on to win the premiership is concerned, and Penrith Panthers currently hold it.

The Panthers, who are 3.00 to win the 2024 grand final, will secure second spot if they beat the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.

They are on home soil and can be backed at 1.14 to get the job done.

However if they were to slip up, it could open the door for the Sydney Roosters, who need to knock over their arch rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night.

The Roosters slipped up at the weekend, losing by two points against Canberra Raiders, and the top two is now out of their hands.

Cronulla Sharks could also jump into the top two, but need to beat Manly at 4 Pines Park and then hope both the Panthers and Roosters lose.

Even the most optimistic Sharks fan will not be expecting that scenario and they look set to finish fourth.

Bulldogs and Cowboys battle for fifth

There is a massive game on Saturday when the Canterbury Bulldogs entertain the North Queensland Cowboys.

Whoever wins that game will finish fifth on the ladder and earn themselves a home final in the opening week of finals.

The Bulldogs are priced at 1.70 to win the game, while the Cowboys can be backed at 2.15.

Meanwhile if Manly Sea Eagles beat the Sharks, they will move up to sixth and host a home final in week one.

Manly can be backed at 1.87 to beat the Sharks on Sunday.

Top-eight on the line for duo

The Knights and Dolphins are set to battle it out for eighth spot in a huge game on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams are locked on 28 points and it is a case of winner takes all.

The Knights are priced at 1.75 to take the home win and leapfrog over the Dolphins into eighth spot.

In the rare event of a draw between the two sides, the winner of the Dragons versus Raiders would jump over them both and into the eight.