SPORT League braces for closest finish since 1908

SYDNEY is set to host three finals next weekend in what has officially been the closest finishing competition in premiership history.

This year will set a record for the fewest points separating the top eight teams in Australian rugby league since 1908.

The record was seven points in the 1980 season according to rugby league historian David Middleton.

In 1980 Eastern Suburbs were minor premiers with 30 points, while Newtown finished eighth with 23 points.

There were 12 teams in the competition in 1980 with a top five finals series with South Sydney finishing fifth on 25 points. This year only two points will separate first and eighth spot provided Brisbane beat Manly today. Even if the Sea Eagles upset the Broncos, the record will still be broken by three points.

Eight points have separated first and eighth seven times.

The closeness of the competition has caused a heartache in the planning of the opening week of the finals. The finals series is expected to start with Melbourne taking on Souths on Friday night with the Rabbitohs travelling to Melbourne.

Minor premiers the Roosters will host Cronulla in Sydney on Saturday night.

The final make-up won’t be known until full-time of the Broncos and Manly match.

Only a disaster by the Sharks against Canterbury would see them slide out of the top four.

Brisbane could finish anywhere from fourth to eighth. A win by more than a point would see them jump the Warriors and have them travelling to Sydney to play St George Illawarra.

A victory by more than 23 will see them host the Dragons in Brisbane while a 33-point win today will see Brisbane jump to fifth and hosting the Warriors. PARRAMATTA Tries: Goals: SYDNEY Tries: Goals: