Matthew Johns makes NRL top-eight ladder prediction

Former Newcastle Knights star Matthew Johns has revealed his forecast for this year’s NRL finals race, and it does not include the Sydney Roosters.

Speaking on SEN’s Morning Glory, Johns tipped the Canberra Raiders to finish on top of the ladder, with Melbourne Storm, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers making up the rest of the top four. His prediction comes as the finals picture begins to sharpen with several clubs jostling for crucial spots.

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Roosters miss out, Broncos hang on

While Johns sees Brisbane holding their place in the eight despite being without Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo for the next month, he believes the Roosters will just fall short. Instead, he has the New Zealand Warriors, Cronulla Sharks and the Dolphins rounding out the final positions.

Johns’ full top-eight prediction for 2025 is:

1. Canberra Raiders
    
2. Melbourne Storm
    
3. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
    
4. Penrith Panthers
    
5. New Zealand Warriors
    
6. Brisbane Broncos
    
7. Cronulla Sharks
    
8. The Dolphins

That leaves the Roosters, perennial finals contenders, on the outside looking in, a call that will spark debate as the run home heats up.