The stage is set for the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 NRL premiership, with four teams remaining in the battle for the top prize. This week, the Storm will face off against the Roosters in Melbourne, while the Panthers will take on the Sharks at Homebush. Will your favorite team make it to the grand final?
Friday, September 27
AAMI Park, 7:50pm (AEST)
Storm:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. William Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Tui Kamikamica, 17. Alec MacDonald
Reserves: 18. Grant Anderson, 19. Kane Bradley, 20. Lazarus Vaalepu, 21. Joe Chan, 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Roosters:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
4. Joseph Manu
5. Dominic Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
Bench: 14. Spencer Leniu, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Terrell May
Reserves: 18. Zach Dockar-Clay, 19. Siua Wong, 20. Fetalaiga Pauga, 21. Jake Elliott, 22. Michael Jennings
Officials:
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touchies: Phil Henderson, David Munro
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Prediction: The Roosters are coming off a dominant win over the Sea Eagles, with their powerful forwards creating space for their halves and captain James Tedesco to shine. The Storm, meanwhile, enjoyed a week off after defeating the Sharks in Week 1 of the finals. Their superstar spine is starting to click, and they’ll need to win this one in the forwards first. AAMI Park is expected to be packed, and the Storm should prevail at home. Tip: Storm by 8.
Saturday, September 28
Accor Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Panthers:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
Bench: 14. Brad Schneider, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Matt Eisenhuth
Reserves: 19. Trent Toelau, 20. Scott Sorensen, 21. Daine Laurie, 22. Luke Sommerton
Sharks:
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai, 15. Jack Williams, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Thomas Hazelton
Reserves: 18. Daniel Atkinson, 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 20. Mawene Hiroti, 21. Jayden Berrell, 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Officials:
Referee: Ashley Klein
Touchies: Matt Noyen, Chris Sutton
Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Sharks’ defense was the key to their win over the Cowboys last week, but they’ll need to be even more patient in attack against the Panthers. The reigning premiers have had two weeks to work on Nathan Cleary’s shoulder and other niggling injuries, and they’re well-prepared for this matchup. The Sharks will need to play their best 80 minutes of football to upset the Panthers, but it’s hard to see them doing it. Tip: Panthers by 10.
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