Win-loss record: 11-10

Like with the Raiders, a run of recent home games has helped, but their commitment to the cause cannot be questioned. Wade McKinnon's return was just what they needed to strengthen their finals push. 6 BRISBANE (4)

Win-loss record: 11-1-9

There was no excuse for losing at home to the Dragons after leading 12-0. Coming off a loss to the Warriors, it was a critical game for them in the battle for top-four spots and a home final, but they got run over. 7 SYDNEY ROOSTERS (6)

Win-loss record: 13-8

The Roosters have needed to be hit with the big stick for a while. Coach Brad Fittler must get tough with them leading into the finals or they won't have the steel in them to go very far in the big games. 8 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (10)

Win-loss record: 11-10

Needed to beat the Broncos to stay in the top eight and they did that, but they are going to have to do more in the run down to the finals to convince anyone that they won't just be filling in the gaps 9 PARRAMATTA (12)

Win-loss record: 10-11

Have won three of their last four to stay alive in the finals race, but will need to win at least two of their last three to make it. Could get a much-needed boost to their for-and-against differential against the Bulldogs . 10 PENRITH (11)

Win-loss record: 10-1-10

Their big win over the Bulldogs was more proof of how bad the Bulldogs are going than whether the Panthers are genuine top-eight material. The test will come when they play at home against the rampaging Storm . 11 NEWCASTLE (7)

Win-loss record: 10-11

The only good thing about their loss to the Raiders was that when the blood started flowing they didn't let it drain right out and ruin their points for-and-against differential. Must-win game against the Cowboys . 12 SOUTH SYDNEY (13)

Win-loss record: 8-13

They proved nuisance value against the Sea Eagles and will be just as dangerous to the Raiders and Roosters over the next two weeks. Maybe not against the Storm in the last round. That would be stretching it. 13 WESTS TIGERS (9)

Win-loss record: 10-11

Every time they look like they have gotten their act together, they slip up. The Eels, who haven't set the world on fire themselves this season, belted them to make it eight straight in Eels-Tigers clashes . 14 GOLD COAST (15)

Win-loss record: 10-11

 You've got to hand it to Scott Prince. He's on the big bucks, but he earns it. Made an early comeback from a broken arm and channelled Mal Meninga with the guard he wore, but led the Titans to a crucial win 15 NORTH QUEENSLAND (14)

Win-loss record: 4-17

  Missed a chance to hand over last place to the Bulldogs when they lost at home to the Titans. Both teams have tough draws to finish the season, so maybe the Cowboys will get the wooden spoon after all . 16 BULLDOGS (16)

Win-loss record: 5-16

  Will they make it to season's end, or will they have to be put down ahead of that? There is a real danger that, in their last-round game against the rampaging Raiders in Canberra, they will lose by an horrific margin .