It’s the best time of the year as footy finals get underway - eight teams will be cut to six in the opening week of the finals, with some blockbuster showdowns on the way.
Check out the major talking points and fixtures schedule for Week 1 of the NRL Finals below.
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs [Qualifying Final] - Friday September 12, 7.50pm AEST, AAMI Park
Both teams struggling heading into the finals. The Storm have lost back-to-back games, conceding 30 points in both, while the Dogs still don’t have an identity in attack and have lost half of their last 10 games. Lachlan Galvin’s arrival has seemingly disrupted the club, while Reed Mahoney dropping to the bench and Bailey Hayward starting also hasn’t paid off. Melbourne’s spine is also far from settled, with Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen both sidelined for this clash. The Storm have won the last two meetings at AAMI Park by six points or less.
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers [Elimination Final] - Saturday September 13, 4.05pm AEST, Go Media Stadium
It’s been tough going for the Warriors ever since Luke Metcalf went down with an ACL injury and they are the only team in the finals with a negative win-loss record over their last 10 games, losing six. Now, after being firmly entrenched in the top four for most of the season, the Warriors face immediate elimination when they welcome four-time defending premiers Penrith to Auckland on Saturday. The Panthers put together a nine-game winning streak to haul themselves off the bottom of the ladder and surge into the finals. After dropping 40 points on the Dragons last week, the Panthers are well-deserved favourites to advance in this one.
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters [Elimination Final] - Saturday September 13, 7.50pm AEST, Sharks Stadium
Two of the form teams heading into the finals, with the Sharks winning seven of their last eight games and the Roosters tasting victory in five of their last six. Cronulla made moves to start shedding their ‘flat-track bully’ tag by beating up the Bulldogs last week, while the Roosters have scored 32+ points in their last four wins. Mark Nawaqanitawase is in line for an Australian call-up for the England tour after scoring seven tries in his last two games, while Sam Walker has been a revelation since returning at halfback - his battle with Nicho Hynes could decide the outcome of this clash.
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos [Qualifying Final] - Sunday September 14, 4.05pm AEST, GIO Stadium
Can the Raiders continue their fairytale season into the finals series? Canberra secured their first minor premiership since 1994, with Ricky Stuart surely a certainty for coach of the year. Meanwhile, the Broncos are peaking at exactly the right time, striking late to lock up a top four finish and double chance at the finals. Reece Walsh has thrived with Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam sidelined with hamstring injuries, stepping up to guide his side to eight wins from their last 10 games. The battle of the fullbacks will be electric, with Kaeo Weekes emerging as one of the best young talents in the game this season.