NRL Futures Preview
Penrith Panthers
2.24
Having been here last year, the Panthers are in good stead ahead of another tilt at the finals.
After some careful player management in the final round of the regular season, The Panthers go into the finals series close to full strength.
They have been brilliant this season, and there is no reason to believe they can’t go back to back.
Parramatta Eels
6.00
A 36-year premiership hoodoo may be on the fans’ minds more than the players who have a steely resolve in 2022.
Captain Clint Gutherson has provided the leadership all season long, with a versatile and talented Parramatta outfit a difficult match-up. Hooker Reed Mahoney is as dependable as they come and could be the one that helps the Eels edge ahead when they need to.
Cronulla Sharks
7.00
The Sharks are more than happy to go into the finals series in the second position, having won the title every time they have been in this position.
Last week’s win was the perfect platform for them to launch into the finals, and An inspiring finish to the season has them in a solid position to contend. Briton Nikora has some strong form after an impressive recent period and shapes as a player to watch for the upcoming finals series.
North Queensland Cowboys
8.00
This could well be the story of the year if North Queensland can go all the way. They have certainly been the surprise story of the season and have proven themselves to be a consistent performer.
They are firing on all cylinders in the run-up to the finals. Coach Todd Payten and his team are exuding genuine confidence in the chase for their second premiership.
Melbourne Storm
9.50
Death, taxes, and the Storm in the finals. Melbourne simply don’t bottom out but this time around they are taking the long road to win the title.
Cameron Munster has been an inspiration, growing into his leadership role, while Brandon Smith can flip a game in seconds. It’s not quite the same Storm outfit that won premierships year on year a few seasons back but it would be unwise to assume they can’t do it from here.
Sydney Roosters
13.00
Sydney has one of the young NRL’s marquee players, with Sam Walker elevating himself to star status.
Luke Keary is, in many ways, the Robin to Walker’s Batman, providing valuable experience in leading his talented young stars.
They loom as wildcards and could be right in the mix deep into the finals.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
19.00
It was an interrupted preparation for the finals for the Rabbitohs with Latrell Mitchell at the centre of crowd abuse last week in a story that continues to linger.
Add to that Damien Cook being hit by COVID, and the Rabbitohs have more than a few challenges coming from seventh place. They are in it and have a chance.
South Sydney has proven before that they can get off the mat to rise to the top, but they need more luck to go their way than has been the case so far.
Canberra Raiders
67.00
A nightmare start to the season took its toll on the Raiders, particularly coach Ricky Stuart at times.
But with stars Jamal Fogerty and Jack Wighton lifting as the year went on, Canberra found a way to secure a finals position.
An inspiring win over Melbourne late in the season made a statement to the broader league that the Raiders are not just going to make up the numbers this year.
