Mathematically speaking, only the Dolphins and Sea Eagles on 26 points can challenge the roosters on 28 points, but in saying that, if the Roosters beat the Storm this week, OR the Rabbitohs in Round 27, then they would be on 30 points and their for+against would probably be high enough to keep them higher than both the Dolphins and Sea Eagles who need to win both games in the next two weeks.

The Panthers on 31 points sit in seventh place and can't be knocked out of the top eight.

The Rabbitohs have a bye this week plus one of their players has been suspended over a police investigation, but like the Cowboys the week after, it won't affect the ladder at all.