NRL Finals, September 22
Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm
22nd September
Round 18: Storm lost to the Panthers 16-34 in Melbourne
Round 23: Panthers defeated the Storm 26-6 in Penrith
The back-to-back champions are on the verge of NRL history as they chase their third consecutive premiership. And it all starts with a preliminary final match-up against the old foe from Melbourne on Friday night.
It’s been three years since these two sides met in the 2020 Grand Final – a 26-20 Storm victory – but Ivan Cleary’s chargers have certainly gone on to bigger and better things since, with seven straight finals victories.
More recently, the minor premiers put the Warriors to the sword in Week 1 of finals, with a Sunia Turuva double and a Nathan Cleary masterclass leading them to a 26-point triumph. They are set to welcome Izack Tago and Jarome Luai back into their full-strength line-up.
As for the Storm, their inconsistent 2023 season has stalked them throughout the finals series with an embarrassing loss to the Broncos followed by a last-gasp Will Warbrick-led victory over the Roosters.
Irrespective of how they got there, the Storm have booked their eighth preliminary-final appearance in nine seasons. They’ll undoubtedly strengthen their chances with the return of Jahrome Hughes in the No. 7 guernsey.
While there will surely be fireworks early in the game, expect the well-rested Panthers to find their way into yet another decider.
Suggested Bet:
Home Team Total Tries Over +4.5 at $1.87
Brisbane Broncos vs. NZ Warriors
23rd September
Round 13: Warriors lost to the Broncos 22-26 in Napier
One team is searching for their first premiership in 17 years, and the other is chasing their first since entering the NRL in 1995. Either way, it will be an emotional result for both sides.
Unsurprisingly, the boys from Brisbane enter the match as short-priced favourites, with their 26-0 demolition of the Storm two weeks ago the stuff of Broncos fan’s dreams. Tries to Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs and Jordan Riki, plus a dominant display from Dally M fancy Payne Haas, showcased the Broncos intentions this post-season.
A week off and a clean bill of health, Brisbane fans rightly consider this their best chance at premiership glory in almost two decades.
They’ll first need to overcome a Warriors side that put on an absolute clinic against the Knights last weekend, ending their 10-game winning streak and running out 40-10 winners in Auckland. Any questions marks around Shaun Johnson’s fitness were put to bed with his incredible performance, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ran for the opening try and a game-high 299m.
The Wahs will seek to silence the Queensland crowd as early as possible. They will like their chances, too, given they’ve won six of their past ten games against the Broncos.
