NRL Finals Tips, Previews & Predictions
What you need to know about NRL Finals
The 2025 NRL Finals kick off with four high-stakes matchups featuring battered lineups, returning stars, and season-defining pressure.
Melbourne Storm enter wounded, missing key playmakers like Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen, while the Broncos are sweating on the fitness of Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh.
Canberra’s top seed could be tested if Josh Papalii doesn’t suit up, and all eyes are on whether attacking form or defensive grit will prove more decisive.
With injuries, selections, and momentum all in play, every clash has the potential to swing wide open, making this one of the most unpredictable finals series in recent memory.
Penrith Panthers $7Grand Final WinnersBet Here
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NRL Finals Explained
This Week's Finals Matches
The regular season is done and dusted, with four weeks of finals on the horizon to determine the 2025 NRL premiers.
Eight teams will be cut to six in the opening week of the finals after the Raiders were crowned minor premiers and the Roosters locked up the eighth and final spot.
See below for key details surrounding the four finals games this weekend:
See below for key details surrounding the four finals games this weekend:
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs [Qualifying Final]
- Date: Friday September 12 — 7:50 pm AEST
- Venue: AAMI Park
Both teams limping into the finals with a place in the preliminary finals up for grabs here. The Storm have lost back-to-back games conceding 30+ points, with key spine members Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen missing for this clash, while the Bulldogs have their own issues with their spine and have lost half of their last 10 games.
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers [Elimination Final]
- Date: Saturday September 13 — 4:05 pm AEST
- Venue: Go Media Stadium
The Warriors are the only team in the finals with a negative win-loss record across their last 10 games (4-6) and now they come up against the four-time reigning premiers in a sudden-death elimination final. The Panthers got back on track with a big win over the Dragons last week and will leave nothing in the tank as they bid for five consecutive premierships.
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters [Elimination Final]
- Date: Saturday September 13 — 7:50 pm AEST
- Venue: Sharks Stadium
The Roosters are one of the form teams in the competition after surging into the finals with huge wins over the Storm and Rabbitohs across the last fortnight, with winger Mark Nawaqanitawase lighting up the competition with seven tries in his last two appearances. Meanwhile, the Sharks have kept their heads down and come into this clash with seven wins from their last 10 - promises to be a tight one.
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos [Qualifying Final]
- Date: Sunday September 14 — 4:05 pm AEST
- Venue: GIO Stadium
Finals footy is back in the nation's capital as minor premiers Canberra look to advance into the preliminary finals when they welcome an in-form Broncos side to GIO Stadium. The Raiders surprised everyone to finish top of the pile in the regular season - can they keep it up when it matters most? Reece Walsh is arguably the form player in the NRL coming into the finals, guiding his Brisbane side to eight wins from their last 10 games.
NRL 2025 Premiership Odds
| NRL 2025 Grand Final Winner | Odds |
|---|---|
| Canberra Raiders | $3.75 |
| Melbourne Storm | $4.25 |
| Brisbane Broncos | $6.00 |
| Penrith Panthers | $7.00 |
| Canterbury Bulldogs | $9.00 |
| Sydney Roosters | $12.00 |
| Cronulla Sharks | $26.00 |
| NZ Warriors | $67.00 |
Note: Odds from Betr. Correct from 10/09/25
