Overview
September 13, 2024 7:50 pm @ BlueBet Stadium
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Team News
Panthers – In: Nathan Cleary / Out: Brad Schneider
Roosters – In: Dominic Young, Daniel Tupou, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher / Out: De La Salle Va’a, Blake Steep, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Junior Pauga
What We Like
The Panthers will be looking an instant impact in the opening week of the finals as they begin their journey to winning four titles in a row. Sydney Roosters will also be without several stars including Sam Walker, Victor Radley and Brandon Smith.
Final Thought
NSW Blues winger Brian To’o always manages to exceed expectations in big matches and this Friday will be no different. It’s hard to not see him crossing the line for a try.
September 14, 2024 4:05 pm @ AAMI Park
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Team News
Storm – In: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Christian Welch / Out: Sua Fa’alogo, Lazarus Vaalepu
Sharks – In: Oregon Kaufusi / Out: Tom Hazelton
What We Like
The Melbourne Storm may be favourites, but the Sharks are one of the only teams to defeat them at their home stadium this season. Halfback Nicho Hynes will be looking to take vengeance on his former team, and they shouldn’t be counted out on pulling off an upset win.
Final Thought
The match between the two teams is destined to go down to the wire and they could find themselves in extra-time. Cronulla have the better record in overtime this season and have multiple field-goal kickers they can rely on.
September 14, 2024 7:50 pm @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium
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Team News
Cowboys – In: Jordan McLean / Out: Thomas Mikaele
Knights – No Changes Made
What We Like
Playing in Townsville, the Cowboys should win, considering they know the conditions better and won’t have to play against Bradman Best. However, like most finals, it will be a close-scoring match and remain under the total points market.
Final Thought
Jeremiah Nanai is one of the best-scoring backrowers in the competition and can contest kicks with the opposing fullback, Kalyn Ponga. The Cowboys will be looking to put Ponga under as much pressure as possible, which could result in Nanai crossing the line for a try.
September 15, 2024 4:05 pm @ Accor Stadium
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Team News
Bulldogs – In: Bronson Xerri, Matt Burton, Jeral Skelton / Out: Eli Clark, Jonathan Sua, Drew Hutchison
Sea Eagles – In: Tom Trbojevic / Out: Clayton Faulalo
What We Like
The match between the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles will be incredibly close, with the two teams continually taking it to one another. However, making the finals for the first time in eight years, the Bulldogs will be hoping to stay for a while and not leave for a round one exit.
Final Thought
Reuben Garrick has been one of Manly’s best this season and has been versatile in a number of positions, including on the wing and in the centres. He is also the club’s goalkicker, which means he is destined to get some easy conversions near the goal.