Finals footy is upon us and the pan66.com writers are here to give you their fearless predictions for the slate of games coming up.
The action kicks off with the defending premiers hosting the Roosters on Friday night, before a double dose of games on Saturday and a Sunday showdown between the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs.
Panthers v Roosters
Brad Walter: Penrith managed to overcome a string of injuries to finish in the top two and are now at full strength for the finals with the return of Nathan Cleary. Anyone in doubt about what impact Cleary can have only needs to watch the last 20 minutes of last year’s Grand Final. In contrast, the Roosters have lost star halfback Sam Walker, Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith and English forward Victor Radley, while veteran enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is suspended. With the match also played at Penrith, it looks like a bridge to far for the Roosters. Panthers by 6.
Cameron Mee: Penrith are a different team with Nathan Cleary in the side and his return should be enough to get them past the Roosters. Trent Robinson’s side has been hard hit by injuries and will be in the fight, but Cleary’s class should shine through. Panthers by 6.
Colleen Edwards: The Roosters are not a team to be underestimated and have still managed to field a strong 17 despite the absence of some of their biggest stars. However, the Panthers just know how to get things done at this time of the year and will also essentially be fielding a full-strength team. They should prove too strong, just. Panthers by 6.
Corey Rosser: Penrith missed the minor premiership but have still landed in an ideal spot, with their first-choice 17 all available and home ground advantage to go with it. The return of Nathan Cleary will be enough to get them past the Roosters, who I'm not sure can match it with them on the edges when the heat gets turned up. Panthers by 8.
Martin Lenehan: Before the injuries to Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Victor Radley, this shaped as the Roosters' best chance to break their hoodoo against the Panthers, but the premiers are now the warmest of favourites. With the game's best halfback returning from injury, the Panthers will click into gear and grind the Roosters into submission. Panthers by 10.
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Storm v Sharks
Brad Walter: The Sharks head into the finals in top form after arguably their best performance of the season against Manly last weekend and have confidence they can win in Melbourne after beating the Storm earlier this season. There will be a lot of expectation on 2022 Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes to lead Cronulla to victory, but halves partner Braydon Trindall has been the man steering the team around and will be the key to victory for the Sharks. Sharks by 2.
Cameron Mee: Cronulla will push Melbourne all the way but the Storm have too much talent across the park and will likely continue rolling into a home preliminary final. The match could come down to the impact of respective bench utilities Tyran Wishart and Daniel Atkinson, with Melbourne to come out on top. Storm by 4.
Colleen Edwards: Melbourne love finals footy and after their opening week offering last year, will no doubt be wanting to get this year’s campaign off on the right foot, especially at home. The Sharks are in good form however and have been able to rack up the points in recent weeks, so I am expecting a high-scoring game. The Storm will be too good at home. Storm by 8.
Corey Rosser: The Sharks snapped a five-game winless run at AAMI Park in heroic fashion earlier this season, but I don't see that being repeated against a Storm side who have all their key men rested and ready to go. I expect Jahrome Hughes to undo this edge defence a couple of times come Saturday and he and Cameron Munster will get the better of their opposite numbers in the halves. Storm by 4.
Martin Lenehan: The Sharks have a win at AAMI Park to their name this season and will turn up ready to play but the Storm's superstar spine will have the last word in an epic contest. Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster are the ultimate big-game players and their class and composure will lead the Storm into a preliminary final. Storm by 4.
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Cowboys v Knights
Brad Walter: The Cowboys finished an up-and-down season in good form and have momentum going into a home final in North Queensland against a team whose fate wasn’t confirmed until the last game of the regular season, which was effectively a sudden-death play-off for eighth spot against the Dolphins. Newcastle earned their spot in the top eight after back-to-back wins at home but it’s a big ask to do it again in front of a hostile crowd in Townsville. Cowboys by 8.
Cameron Mee: History suggests home-ground advantage is a major factor in finals matches and there is no tougher trip than a journey to Townsville. Fuelled by a rabid home crowd and an Origin pack, expect Tom Dearden to lead North Queensland into the second week of the finals. Cowboys by 8.
Colleen Edwards: This is a tricky game to tip with both sides having a different path to the top eight. Adam O’Brien thinks his Knights will be more battle-hardened, but you can’t discount the attacking form of the Cowboys who should come out on top at home, especially if they start well. Cowboys by 4.
Corey Rosser: It's getting to that time of the year when playing in Townsville is no fun for anyone but the Cowboys and they're arguably the team who will benefit most from home field in Finals Week 1. While other matchups this weekend feature great forward clashes, it's the battle of the backs I can't wait for here. Cowboys by 6.
Martin Lenehan: Todd Payten's men look to be in ominous form and they'll have too many attacking weapons for the Knights. Expect Val Holmes and Scott Drinkwater to cash in on the work of their halves and take control of the game in the second half. Cowboys by 12.
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Bulldogs v Sea Eagles
Brad Walter: Manly know the blueprint to beat the Bulldogs after doing so comfortably two weeks ago at the same venue so it’s hard to see what can change. Canterbury will have the support at Accor Stadium and boast some match winners in their team, but so do Manly and there are few players better at steering their team around in big games than Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Sea Eagles by 4.
Cameron Mee: The chance of rain could turn Sunday’s blockbuster at Accor Stadium into a gritty affair and Manly’s forwards showed they have the firepower to outmatch the Bulldogs just two weeks ago. Expect a similar result this weekend, with the return of Tom Trbojevic an additional boost. Sea Eagles by 2.
Colleen Edwards: The Bulldogs will love being written off by the doubters, but after blowing the chance to have a home final last week I just don't see the Sea Eagles putting in consecutive poor showings. There is just too much experience in the Manly side, who know how to step up in big games. Sea Eagles by 6.
Corey Rosser: It's been a great ride for Doggies fans, but this time around I think it ends in the opening week of the finals. Manly simply have too much strike and provided the wounded Tom Trbojevic is able to play some role in the attack then I can't see the Bulldogs being able to hold them out often enough. Sea Eagles by 8.
Martin Lenehan: Coming into the finals on the back of two big losses is hardly ideal for the Bulldogs, and the drama surrounding Josh Addo-Carr won't help either. In stark contrast, Manly have hit their straps and with Tommy Turbo back on deck they will pack too many punches for the gritty Bulldogs. Sea Eagles by 8.
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