The 2017 season of the NRL has been an interesting one. Melbourne have a six-point lead on top heading into the final round, Semi Radradra’s try scoring feats has propelled Parramatta to their first finals finish since 2009, while the Warriors, Bulldogs, Titans, Tigers, and Knights have all had seasons to forget. However one stat makes 2017 one of the worst in recent years.
After 25 rounds there has been 7557 points scored in 184 matches which is the lowest amount scored in the competition since 2011.
At the moment, Suliasi Vunivalu and Alex Johnston lead the battle for most tries scored with 22 each, which is the lowest since Johnston scored 21. While Nathan Cleary has scored the most points this season with 212 it is the least scored by the leading point scorer since Benji Marshall scored 211 in 2011.
The 2014 season edged over 7900 points while four of the past five seasons has seen more than 7800 points scored.
Points scored after 26 rounds
- 7872 in 2016
- 7821 in 2015
- 7907 in 2014
- 7886 in 2013
- 7878 in 2012
The Storm have a point differential of +271 but other than Brisbane (+154) no other teams have scored 100 points more than they’ve conceded and five have -100 which could increase to six if South Sydney lose by six points or more.
Last season six teams, three teams had +200 points while three had over +100, however five teams have also conceded 100 points or more than they have conceded.
Eighty-nine of the 184 matches have been decided by 10 points or less while 10 matches have gone to Golden Point which may be the reason for the lack of points. However 409 points were scored in the eight matches last week so with 315 points to score the 2017 may avoid slumping to a six-year low.
