Who will make finals? Cameron Smith runs through the contenders

The 2024 State of Origin series has concluded which means all focus now turns to club land as teams begin their final assault for a finals berth.

Only six competition points separate the fourth placed Sydney Roosters and 13th placed Newcastle Knights who remain in the mix to qualify for the top eight.

SEN’s Cameron Smith has drawn a line through some teams whilst others will need a miracle in order to book their place in September.

The Warriors - 14th

Run Home: Tigers (H), Eels (H), Dolphins (A), Sea Eagles (A), Bulldogs (H), Sharks (A), Bye

“It’s going to be extremely hard for the Warriors now,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“They are going to have to win pretty much every single game from here on.

“It’ll be difficult and we’ve seen how hard it is for teams to string together wins.

“We’ve only seen a few teams put together three to four consecutive victories.

“The Warriors have just been so inconsistent this year so as soon as you lump some more pressure on them, I think it will be too difficult for them.

“Put the line through them unfortunately.”

Verdict: Won’t make finals

Brisbane Broncos - 11th

Run Home: Bulldogs (H), Titans (A), Cowboys (A), Bye, Eels (H), Dolphins (A), Broncos (H)

“They are still a mathematical chance,” Smith continued.

“They will have to play their best football in the final six rounds and they have been very inconsistent this year.

“They are an outsidce chance because it’s hard to write them off given how they pklayed last year.

“It will take a minor miracle for them to make finals this year. They can only lose one more game.

“They need another five wins.”

Verdict: Unlikely but still in the mix

The Dolphins - 7th

Run Home: Titans (H), Roosters (H), Warriors (H), Bulldogs (A), Storm (A), Broncos (H), Knights (A)

“The Dolphins have done such a good job to put themselves in the top eight for the entire season,” Smith said.

“They now finish with this wretched run and they have done so well with injuries and suspensions this year.

“It would be a shame for them to miss out because I would love to see them play finals and so would everyone.

“It’s a difficult run home for them and if they get there, fantastic. If not, I would say it’s a successful season.”

Verdict: Likely but wouldn’t be surprised if they miss out