Rd 23 games impact NRL's top eight puzzle
NRL TOP EIGHT RAMIFICATIONS FROM ROUND 23 GAMES
Friday: Eels (5th) v Knights (16th)
Parramatta (+12 points differential) are without Bevan French but will move into the top four should they beat the lowly but improving Knights. The Eels are currently equal on 30 points with third-placed Brisbane and fourth-placed Cronulla, who face each other on Saturday.
Friday: Broncos (3rd) v Sharks (4th)
The Broncos (+138) and Sharks (+75) are two points behind second-placed Sydney Roosters, meaning the winner will stay in the hunt for a top two spot. The loser risks being bumped out of the top four by the Eels, together with the all-important second-chance in the finals that goes with it.
Saturday: Storm (1st) v Roosters (2nd)
Viewed by many as the grand final preview, although the Roosters (+65) lost a few admirers with their capitulation against Manly last week. A win for the Storm (+178) will clinch the JJ Giltinan shield that comes with the minor premiership, and the loss for the Roosters leaves their top-four spot vulnerable.
Saturday: Panthers (8th) v Cowboys (6th)
The equation is simple for Penrith (26 points, +51): Win at Pepper Stadium and they jump the Cowboys; lose and St George Illawarra (24 points, +73) can claim back their spot with a win over struggling Gold Coast. Even Canberra (22 points, +53) is in with a shot. The Cowboys (28 points, +44) can also stay in the race for a top four spot, but can drop as low as eighth with defeat. The health of Matt Moylan will be key.
