NRL Analysis and Explainers
How the NRL ladder, byes and the top-eight finals work, and what the numbers say about the season.
What Happens to NRL Wooden Spooners the Season After
Since 1998, 7 of 25 NRL wooden spooners made the finals the next season and 7 came last again. Every spooner, the clubs with most spoons and the 2026 Dragons.
The Warriors Since 1995: 11 Finals Series, Two Grand Finals, No Premiership Yet
The New Zealand Warriors have made the finals in 11 of 32 seasons since 1995, with a 9-15 finals record and grand final losses in 2002 and 2011. Every season.
How Many Points Does an NRL Team Need to Make the Top Eight?
NRL teams have needed 30 to 32 competition points to make the top eight since 2023. Since 1999, 14 wins has always been enough; 12-12 got in 15 of 29 times.
How NRL Golden Point Works, and How 182 Games Have Ended
Since 2003, 182 NRL games have gone to golden point: 108 were won by a one-point field goal, 35 by a try, 17 by a penalty goal, and 19 ended in a draw.
Queensland Lead New South Wales 25-18 in State of Origin Series
State of Origin series results since 1982: Queensland 25, NSW 18, two drawn. The Game 1 winner took 32 of 45 series, and 25 series went to a Game 3 decider.
NRL Minor Premiers Win the Grand Final About One Year in Three
NRL minor premiers have won 10 of 29 grand finals since 1998, 34 percent, and every premier finished in the top four. Finals records by ladder position.