We take a look at some of the key and quirky stats leading into the eight games in Round 25 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Rabbitohs v Broncos: The Rabbitohs are ranked 1st for dummy-half run metres, averaging 129.8 per game, while the Broncos are ranked 2nd for dummy-half run metres, averaging 126.8m per game. Look out for Issac Luke and Andrew McCullough making inroads around the ruck.
Sea Eagles v Roosters: These teams have two of the best back fives in the NRL Telstra Premiership. Here is a head-to-head overview in attack and defence:
Eels v Sharks: Here are the best and worst stats for both teams so far this season:
Knights v Bulldogs: The Bulldogs pack is peaking at the right end of the season and if they are to make their third grand final in four seasons, their forward pack will have to continue their dominance that they have shown over the last few weeks. Ranked first for both hit-up runs (86.8 per game) and hit-up run metres (791.7m per game), the Bulldogs clearly know how to bring the best out of their forwards. In contrast, the Knights average 69 hit-up runs per game (worst in comp) for 623 hit-up metres per game (worst in comp).
Storm v Cowboys: The stats say this should be a well-controlled game with few mistakes. The Cowboys and Storm are both ranked 1st for completion rate so far this season with 78.4 per cent. Two of the in-form hookers in the competition could also play a big part.
Wests Tigers v Warriors: It has been a tough week for Wests Tigers but they can end it on a high with a win over the Warriors, who are on a six-game losing streak. Check out the Warriors' form slide over the past six rounds as compared to their averages from the rest of the season.
Titans v Dragons: With Kane Elgey running the show for the Titans against the Raiders last week, their left edge attack was on fire with four of their five tries coming down that side. Gold Coast produced an above average performance against the Raiders, improving their running metres by backs by 131%, increasing their fast play-the-ball by 9.1%, increasing their tackle breaks by 131% and by decreasing their missed tackles by 42.5%.
The Titans will find it much harder against a strong St George Illawarra defence, however the Dragons haven't really looked like an attacking threat. Their defence is keeping them in contention for a top eight spot, however they have the least amount of tries this year with 61 in total.
Raiders v Panthers: Here are the best and worst stats for both teams so far this season:
