Canberra has achieved a significant milestone by clinching its first minor premiership in 35 years, establishing itself as a dominant force in the league. At least a full 44-point margin, proof of how dominant the team has been. Having achieved a stellar point differential of +186, they’ve received their highest possible rank as they march into championship competitions. The minor premiership is a great turnaround for grey Canberra, which has completely lost the plot in recent years.
To say that the race for first place has been cutthroat would be an understatement. Melbourne, in second place, has 40 points but a point differential of +228. Canterbury is right behind in third with 38 points and a +138 goal differential. Tied for third place, Brisbane has 34 points and a +156 point differential, while Cronulla, Warriors and Panthers are still in the hunt for playoff spots with 34 and 31 points respectively.
With just a few weeks left in the season, the Dolphins currently find themselves in 8th place on the table with 28 points and a very healthy +87 point differential. They will need to rely on results in other games going their way to advance to the finals. The Dolphins’ journey serves as a reminder of the league’s unpredictability. They are followed hot on the heels by Manly with 28 points and the Sydney Roosters with 30 points.
Canberra’s successful season has brought optimism to their fans. The team’s turnaround has been marked by a combination of grit and craft. St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf was categorically confident his team could put together a performance that would win the cup final.
“We’d love that result to go our way, but we have to prepare to play Canberra and play really well,” – Kristian Woolf
Woolf’s moods speak to the team’s mindset as they look ahead to back-to-back matches against powerful Big 12 foes. As they get ready for finals, these athletes are cautioned to not raise their intensity just because of external pressures.
“If we are playing for something more, great. The performance is just as important either way,” – Kristian Woolf
Canberra’s run to the finals was built on a plethora of players performing their part and more, all season long. Woolf specifically applauded Trai for his on-field bravado. He praised Trai’s efforts, which exemplify the spirit of collaboration that has been the hallmark of Canberra’s and Trai’s campaign.
“Trai did some great things. He is just so brave and the rest of the team love playing with him,” – Kristian Woolf
She recognized Kurt’s amazing performance coupled with them dealing with health issues the entire week. His willingness and flexibility to do whatever it takes to help the team win is something that hasn’t slipped through the cracks.
“Kurt is exceptional. He’s been pretty crook all week and hasn’t really trained with the group. To play the minutes he did, get shifted around and then the try he set up in the centres was great skill … he’s a great player for us,” – Kristian Woolf
With the last games in progress, Canberra’s spot at the top of the ladder over the regular season is assured, with Melbourne’s best finish a second place. Brisbane’s position is such that they can still shift between fourth and sixth depending on their results in their remaining matches and the teams above them.
The competition remains fierce, particularly for teams like Canterbury and Cronulla, who are keenly aware that every match counts as they strive for playoff positions. The Dolphins themselves will be keeping a close eye out for opportunities, while wishing for good luck to strike in other games.
Looking to the finals, either Brisbane or Canberra would make for an amazing climactic battle. The ACT team has a heck of a resume built this season. Along with their remarkable run in the playoffs, they provided proof that they are prepared to make a return to the upper reaches of the league.
