ALLIANZ STADIUM - SYDNEY

The PENRITH PANTHERS have returned to peak performance this season, securing the minor premiership and demonstrated superior control and precision to dominate the Sydney ROOSTERS early in a high-stakes finals matchup - but the Bondi Boys are no shrinking violets and fought their way back into the game with an enthralling 80min arm wrestle unfolding between the two sides.

It was always going to be a tough contest; however, the tactical genius of Nathan Cleary was negated when he ended up in the bin, and the high-intensity encounter sat at 12-12 until the brilliant half broke the deadlock with a field goal in the 71st min. The Roosters demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude, maintaining their characteristic stability under pressure, but blinked and threw away a royal opportunity. Despite the loss, they performed exceptionally well, successfully extending the match to the final moments, yet ultimately lacked the decisive play required to secure the victory. If they can get themselves back off the canvas for an elimination game on Saturday and play to the same standard, the Roosters will be super hard beat.

The CRONULLA SHARKS controlled the contest against NORTH QUEENSLAND, however, only a tick over 17,000 people turned up to last Saturday’s elimination final moved to the 42,000-seat Allianz Stadium by the NRL. Nicho Hynes stood tall when his side needed him most as the Sharks knocked the Cowboys out of the finals in front of a terrible crowd. But they played well overall up against a team who had conceded 652 points this regular season and were able to defend with serious tenacity. Losing was never an option.

When the much-maligned halfback is on, the Sharkies typically go well, and with Braydon Trindall back it did remove pressure from Hynes, allowing him to play his natural game and bamboozled the oppostion with a nice individual try. With 31 try assists this season, Trindall serves as a pivotal playmaker who integrates effectively with the outside backs; however, while Mulitalo and Katoa are exceptional finishers, maintaining precision under significant defensive pressure remains an area for improvement. The flat-track bullies can crack if things don't go their way. They passed their first test, but the Sharks will have to be infinitely better this week against much stiffer opposition, and we can't see them upsetting a team of this quality, but you just never know with these boys from the shire.

ROOSTERS by 12

EDEN PARK - AUCKLAND

Following their recent defeat by the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium, the NZ WARRIORS face a challenging transition to a sold-out Eden Park. The team must now focus on regrouping and restoring the collective confidence that has been instrumental to their performance throughout the season. They ended up a bit battered and will be keen to restore some dented pride for their endearing fans, but it has all become that much harder. Losing Leka the Wrecker was a massive blow prior to kickoff and the outside backs will need to tighten up their defense after leaking too many points late in the game. A more accurate kicking game wouldn’t go amiss either.

Although the Warriors successfully converted penalty opportunities, they struggled to penetrate the defensive line or generate many try-scoring chances, falling short of the clinical backline execution demonstrated throughout the season - in fact, they just looked plain clunky at times. Taine Tuaupiki delivered an exceptional performance at fullback, accounting for all of the team's points; however, the remaining backs must improve their performance, which will be a key priority for Coach Webby this week. Patched up, it won't get any easier, but they know the job at hand and can rattle the Knights armour with the right attitude. Scoring early and keeping the pressure on will be key. Bashing them up through the middle alone won't be enough. They thoroughly deserve a major semi slot but need to prove they are worthy to go to Sydney and face the Panthers.

Newcastle snapped their two-game losing streak to secure the first away finals win since 2013 (v Storm in Melbourne). The NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS overwhelmed a disjointed Rabbitohs side through high-energy play and a consistent focus on maintaining ball movement to capitalise on scoring opportunities. With the likes of Ponga, Marzhew, Bradman Best, Gagai and Francis Manuleleua on the edge, the Knights attacking potency is evident and off the back of that elimination finals win they will be feeling fearless.

The Dolphins looked out of the contest while the big Warriors forwards dominated the middle of the park, that was until the Phins fast men hit the edges to open them up, and you can expect the KNIGHTS to embrace that same strategy. Kalyn Ponga was in everything for the Knights. He had a hand in two of their tries, ran for over 200 metres for just the second time this season and his 10 tackle busts is his most in a game since round 1 last season - give him an inch, and he'll take a mile.
The Warriors will have their hands full if the Knights get on the front foot early and take the game to them as the lads from the Hunter Valley region definitely won't die wondering. The Warriors faithful are up in arms about the shift to Eden Park, but it's just another stretch of grass and a massive crowd will see the atmosphere at fever pitch. They should be more concerned about team performance and hopefully their boys going from Penrose to Mt Eden actually turn up to play on Sunday. Fascinating contest as this one may go down to the wire, but hey….UP THE WAHS!!!

WARRIORS by 4