MELBOURNE STORM

Following a demanding 24-week round-robin season, the Storm have demonstrated consistent performance and look well positioned as the favoured team to win the Grand Final, having previously been defeated by Penrith 12 months ago. They certainly merited a successful season due to their exceptional quality, yet they faltered at the final stage, losing to the Broncos last weekend and the Roosters the week before. However, this could be one of the most unpredictable finals series' due to how well many of these teams are playing late in the season. Of equal concern to Bellamy and the Storm was the fact they conceded 70 points in two those losses leading into the finals.

Regrettably, the team suffered a setback with the injury of star halfback Jahrome Hughes during the final round, a key player in their strategic framework and a brilliant gamebreaker who will be missed. But the one thing the Storm do well is develop sharp talent in every position, with a mountain of depth at their disposal. Given the Melbourne Storm's reputation, with Hughes potentially out for the rest of the season, the Storm’s title aspirations have taken a massive hit. Craig Bellamy demands a high level of performance from his team every time they run out and mediocrity wears thin as the short fused boss is only ever satisfied with perfection and victory. Despite this, the Storm are just ruthless in every aspect of the game and know how to play fast, with stunning power plays that few sides can replicate. At AAMI stadium they should feel comfortable enough to open the game up early and go seeking early points to build upon. It won't be simple, as an upset is possible, however it is difficult to imagine them losing in Melbourne and forced to play next week.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

This season, the Belmore bred Doggies have demonstrated impressive rugby league performances, largely due to a robust squad and the significant contributions of key players. Despite the Bulldogs challenging evening in their defeat against the Sharks last weekend, they faced the setback of losing two crucial outside backs to injuries. Bronson Xerri is expected to be sidelined for at least a week following an early category 1 head knock, and winger Marcelo Montoya was forced to leave the field due to a potentially serious ankle injury. It was never going to be an easy outing for their final home game of the season but the Bulldogs could not resist the attacking power of the Cronulla Sharks. With Jacob Kiraz not due back for another week, their stocks are looking a little slim at a critical point in the season.

It has been a rollercoaster journey for the Bulldogs this season, having sat on top of the ladder for an extended period and booking a spot inside the top four. But a mixed bag of results eventually exposed flaws and their loss at the hands of the Sharks has uncovered an urgent need for change. Coach Cameron Ciraldo will now need to come up with a new strategy and shake things up a bit aiming for some variation. If they sit back and try to rely on their standard formula that has worked well thus far, then it could be a long Friday night down in Melbourne. Even though they get two bites at the cherry, the way they are playing, they are going to be out the back door if they fail to adapt and change their overall plan of attack.

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NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

The New Zealand Warriors, having experienced some setbacks, managed to secure a place in the finals series after a strong season where they maintained a top four position until the final two rounds. They faced some challenges towards the end and now will compete against a Panthers team led by the Cleary's, who have steadily clawed their way up the ladder from last spot. Sadly, they lost powerhouse captain Mitch Barnett the week preceding Origin I and key playmaker Luke Metcalf who was in red hot form. Both men have been sorely missed as it was the turning point in their season and reflected the lack of depth in crucial positions. They lost games that were there to win and won a few with scintillating footy, so you never quite know what you're going to get from the Wahs. But when they're switched on, they are a very good side.

Consistency and lack of discipline are their enemy, and when they fail to respect the ball and opposition, they typically only beat themselves out on the park. Nevertheless, there are some real positives and a couple of match winners, although they will need to be at their very best to roll the reigning prem’s. The home advantage at Go Media Stadium is the big plus and the boys will need to feed off their vocal supporters and leave nothing out there. The team should approach the elimination match with confidence, believing in their superior capabilities and without fear. Dumping out the four-time champs would go a long way to boosting their self-belief and bounce them on towards a major showdown with a Top4 loser. All it will take is a couple of silly errors for the Panthers to pounce, so complete your sets and keep the game tight. Matching their forwards will be a critical element and some big shots will come. Tanah Boyd and Leka Halisima could be the two most important players in a tense encounter, with both needing to stamp their authority on the game.

The Warriors elimination match will clash with the All Black's v Springboks 2nd test in Wellington and test the loyalty of pubs and clubs across the country. Despite the widespread national support for the Wahs and the anticipated interest in this exciting matchup, some fans may prioritise the Warriors' performance, potentially missing the first half of the ABs game if the Warriors remain competitive deep into the second half. You'd have to be a blue-blood, ground roots rugby union supporter to change the channel on this one and the NZ Warriors will have their last shot at glory on home soil this Saturday with the whole country behind them.

PENRITH PANTHERS

While the Panthers' performance in 2025 may not have matched the brilliance of their premiership-winning team from the preceding four seasons, it is certainly admirable to witness a team that, after finding themselves at the bottom of the standings, managed to battle their way back into contention with some top performances. It is challenging to maintain a leading position, considering the Panthers have been a central figure in the competition for several seasons and possess a deep understanding of what is required to achieve victory. But if they’re going to win a fifth-straight title, the Panthers will have to run the table this finals series. For the first time since the beginning of their five years straight of grand final appearances, Penrith will begin the post-season outside of the top four.

Despite their period of dominance, co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo aren’t under any illusions about how tough Saturday’s elimination final against the out-of-form Warriors will be. But they believe their best footy is still in front of them. While a double chance would have obviously been ideal, given the Panthers were dead last on the ladder at the midway point of the season, to even make the eight is an almighty effort. Nathan Cleary is their main talisman who can control the ball on a string. Closing down his deft kicking game is not easy and he will feed off a dominant forwards performance led by the experienced Isaiah Yeo. Given their finals expertise, the Panthers appear to have an advantage; however, securing a victory in Auckland is challenging, and the passionate Warriors fanbase is expected to exert pressure on the referee regarding officiating decisions. Regardless, coach Ivan Cleary is a master tactician, and he will be up against his understudy in Andrew Webster, who should have some insight into the Panthers winning style of play. The Panthers should be winning this but never underestimate the New Zealand side.

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CRONULLA SHARKS

The boys from the Shire come into the finals as the least favoured of all the eight teams, although they toweled up the Dogs last weekend 24-6 which should give them some self belief that they can actually foot it with any top side in the playoffs. It often seems they struggle when not in a leading position once taking control of a game, and a cohesive performance will be crucial to prove their all-round ability moving forward. Much of their offense relies on Nicho Hynes and his ability to control the play while hot in attack. If he goes missing in action and starts to languish, then it could be a long night for the Cronulla boys, as they too often switch off and are run over. But the Sharks are in hot form of late and Hynes is arguably playing the best footy since he won the Dally M Medal a couple of seasons ago

However, the Cronulla halfback was facing the prospect of missing next week's elimination final against the Roosters after being hit with a with Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge for a hip-drop in his side's win over the Bulldogs - which has now been downgraded allowing him to play, and boy do they need him. Nonetheless, the outside backs are super talented and if in the right mood they can rack up points quickly. But without that strong leadership, how will the cope against a rampaging Roosters side. Ex-Warrior Addin Fonua-Blake was ultra powerful last weekend and much of their success rests on a strong forward performance to build off.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

The Sydney City Roosters wound up their regular season with a convincing victory over their arch enemy the Rabbitohs from across town and can press on deep into the playoffs if they continue on an upward path. Mark Nawaqanitawase proved once again he’s a truly special player as the Sydney Roosters proved far too strong for the South Sydney side. It was their fifth win from six games. In a contest they needed to win to lock away their finals hopes, Nawaqanitawase was the difference maker. The league-leading try scorer struck in the opening minutes before doubling up with two in the first 20 minutes of the contest. He is their go to guy and best attacking weapon, scoring 24 tries from 23 games.

The upcoming match against Cronulla at Shark Park presents a challenging fixture. However, this outcome is favourable for the Roosters, considering the Sharks' performance in previous finals matches. The team is currently demonstrating exceptional form, peaking at an opportune moment. The Roosters’ free-flowing and sometimes impromptu style can lead to a high volume of mistakes which is of concern. They made 15 errors against the Rabbitohs and only completed 70% of their sets.

The big boppers of Collins, Leniu, and Naufahu Whyte are the key to getting the ball rolling and putting their side on the front foot before the playmakers fire their guns. Once in a dominant position, the Roosters confidence seems to rise and they end up playing a strong brand of entertaining footy. Considering their offensive capabilities, their ability to score, and their strong defense, it is possible that providing the opposing team with additional opportunities in the finals could prove detrimental. However, the team's class is evident, even with a lower completion rate, and their capacity to score points is recognised, regardless of the completion rate. However, their performance against the Bulldogs was particularly dominant when they executed effectively. This match looms as a do-or-die ripsnorter with both sides having the offensive strike power to be successful. But the Roosters do look the better chance in this all-Sydney knock out game.

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CANBERRA RAIDERS

The upcoming match in the capital is anticipated to be highly competitive, as both teams are expected to perform at their peak given their current strong form. The Canberra Raiders, led by their spirited coach Ricky Stuart have experienced one of their best seasons in years, running hot near the top of the table while playing some commanding league. The Canberra Raiders have been blessed with a plethora of NRL greats in recent years with so many cult heroes emerging in the Ricky Stuart era. Their after hooter win against the Panthers was one of the most brilliant ever seen and displays the resilience and backbone of this side. There is a mountain of self belief that this is their year and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a Grand Final day appearance from the Green Machine.

Their team performance over the entire season was exceptional, resulting in the Raiders securing the minor premiership, achieving 19 victories out of 24 matches, and ultimately surpassing all others to end up minor premiership victors. Following a competitive season, the Storm and Bulldogs vied for the leading position, with the Raiders coming out on top, and despite a big final-round loss to the Dolphins, Ricky's team has demonstrated renewed determination, indicating the identification of a successful formula. But everyone knows the statistic. No team has ever conceded 50 points in a regular-season game and gone on to win the premiership. Of course, this gives Canberra the chance to defy history in a month’s time if they can reach the decider. Given the Raiders were resting nearly two thirds of their best available 17, Ricky Stuart won’t put much weight on Sunday’s result.

This year’s finals will therefore mark the first time an elimination final has been played on a Sunday since 2007, and it comes after Canberra coach Ricky Stuart pleaded with the NRL to let his team pick when they play, so the Broncos don’t gain an ‘unbelievable’ advantage. That is because the Broncos will already have three days more rest, given that their Round 27 match was played on a Sunday. Stuart argued that it was only fair that his side gets a 7-day break, especially since they are minor premiers.

Expect the Canberra boys to come out absolutely fizzing on their home track and put up strong effort in what will likely be a fast paced game from beginning to end. Their consistent ability to overcome deficits and secure victories underscores their strong belief and cohesive teamwork, with the 2025 version more composed, mature and battle-hardened. They should be prepared to get down and dirty here, grind out a win and take a week off before a major semi.

Canberra enforcer Josh Papalii is in serious doubt for the Raiders' qualifying final against Brisbane after suffering an ankle injury at training.

BRISBANE BRONCOS

The winners of the two qualifying finals will go straight to week three, while the two losers will take on the winners from the elimination finals. The Broncos Reece Walsh was at his pumped up electric best again as the Broncos secured fourth spot with a 30-14 win over the Storm. After pushing the Panthers to the limit in the 2023 decider, the Broncos lost their way last season and finished 12th, but under new coach Michael Maguire they're back in the top four with a realistic shot at the club's first premiership since 2006. But it will come down to a positive attitude and applying themselves appropriately against a very good side playing on their home turf. In the only meeting between the two sides this season, the Raiders got home 32-22 in Round 2 on the back of storming games from Hudson Young and Seb Kris.

Since Hunt took over at halfback following the loss of captain Adam Reynolds to a hamstring injury, the Broncos have won four on the trot, racking up 152 points in the process. It is an indication of his wise head and ability to strike up a potent combination with Billy Walters. With Walsh now firing on all cylinders, it may pay for him to keep drinking that toilet water that must have some special powers, but he can be a rocks or diamonds player and does struggle to make an impact when under immense pressure.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds is confident he will be cleared to play in Sunday's qualifying final and his kicking game will be an extra boost in Canberra. Really with this big pack of dynamic footballers and some genuine gamebreakers, the Broncos should be dominating top sides more consistently. But they are here and will gain a life if able to roll the Raiders. It will probably need to happen in either Canberra or Sydney, but it will be away from Suncorp and the Broncos are notorious for being poor travelers who don't do as well away from home. But they are on fire and will be a serious threat over 80mins.

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