The NRL season has arrived at its pointy end, with the finals kicking off without any of last year's Top 4 teams returning. We are set for an incredible run to the grand final as the Panthers look to collect another title.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, September 11
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights
Allianz Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Adam Elliott 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Talanoa Penitani 22. Peter Mamouzelos
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Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Toby Winter 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Diesel Hagan
Officials
Referee: Touchies:
Bunker:
Prediction: The Rabbitohs finished off their season with an emotional victory over the Roosters as Jai Arrow ran out for his 100th and final game for the club. Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell are hitting peak form at the right time behind a pack that, led by David Fifita, is capable of dominating any team. In Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham they have two of the most proficient finishers in the game.
The Knights have had an incredible season after taking out the wooden spoon last year. They step into the finals after having a bye to work on any issues. Prior to the bye they were humbled by both the Warriors and Sea Eagles. They will need to couple their up-tempo expansive game with a greater defensive commitment.
The Rabbitohs appear to be travelling a bit better at the moment and if they really click, it could be curtains for the Knights.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 10
PointsBet odds: Rabbitohs $1.40 (-7.5 $1.90) Knights $2.90 (+7.5 $1.90)
Saturday, September 12
New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins
Go Media Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jackson Ford 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 20. Adam Pompey 21. Jett Cleary 22. Luke Laulilii 23. Makaia Tafua
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Francis Molo 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Felise Kaufusi 19. Brad Schneider 20. Jake Averillo 21. Brian Pouniu 22. Tevita Naufahu
Officials
Referee: Touchies:
Bunker:
Prediction: The Warriors finished level with the Panthers at the top of the ladder after a narrow victory over the Sea Eagles last week. In a game where they were looking to win by as big a margin as possible they would have been very disappointed in their inability to stop Manly's flashy outside backs scoring long-range tries. You know who else has flashy outside backs capable of scoring tries from anywhere on the paddock?
The Dolphins finished off their season with a run of seven victories, following on from their 66-0 humiliation at the hands of the Sharks. They have one of the most lethal backlines in the competition and a pair of halves who work perfectly together. Their forwards have improved through the year to the point where they are able to match most other teams in the competition. The only negative about the Dolphins heading into their first ever finals series is their inexplicable habit of getting off to painfully slow starts. They won't want to do that against the Warriors or anyone else from this point onwards.
The Warriors will be pumped up in front of their adoring fans, and will be looking to win the battle up the middle early, with James Fisher-Harris leading the way. They will look to take advantage of the Dolphins' slow start -- if it happens again -- but will want to tighten up their defence for the inevitable comeback that will follow. This should be the best game of the weekend, with plenty of free-flowing, expansive play. I think the Dolphins can cause a big upset.
Tip: Dolphins by 10
PointsBet odds: Warriors $1.56 (-4.5 $1.90) Dolphins $2.40 (+4.5 $1.90)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Accor Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Riley Jones 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Toby Rudolf 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Mawene Hiroti
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Griffin Neame 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. John Bateman 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Coen Hess 18. Kaiden Lahrs 19. Ethan King 20. Kai O'Donnell 21. Sam McIntyre 22. Liam Sutton
Officials
Referee: Touchies:
Bunker:
Prediction: If these two teams were playing anyone else, you would tip them both to lose, so poor has their form been in the lead up to the finals. The Sharks lost four of their last five games, all to teams who won't be playing finals football. They rested several players for their clash with the Storm and competed well, but couldn't claim the points.
The Cowboys have been equally awful of late, losing four of their last seven games including the record 82-12 thumping by the Roosters. Last week they were cut apart by the rampaging Raiders. They have shown a worrying lack of commitment in defence both up the middle and out wide, and it is hard to see them flicking a switch to turn things around at this stage.
The Sharks might not be capable of beating any other team in the finals at this point, but fortunately for them, they only have to beat the Cowboys first up.
Tip: Sharks by 18
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.42 (-7.5 $1.90) Cowboys $2.80 (+7.5 $1.90)
Sunday, September 13
Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters
CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm (AEST)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Luke Garner 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Billy Phillips 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Billy Scott 20. Luron Patea 21. Kalani Leuluai-going 22. Jesse McLean
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Egan Butcher 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Taylor Losalu
Officials
Referee: Touchies:
Bunker:
Prediction: The Panthers finished off another minor premiership winning season with a comfortable victory over the Tigers, showcasing their attacking brilliance alongside some equally impressive defensive resilience. They head into the finals with all their stars fit and ready to claim another title and the bookmakers having them clear favourites to do so.
If this had been written a month ago, I'd be suggesting a monumental battle with the result completely up for grabs, but the wheels have become decidedly wobbly on the Roosters' premiership wagon of late. They rested nine players for last week's thumping by the Rabbitohs, so that result aside, they lost their previous two clashes as well as losing star halfback Sam Walker for the year. They can take some comfort from their last win of the season being a 12-6 victory over the Panthers.
This game may not turn out to be all one-way traffic, as we can expect the Roosters to put in a much improved performance, but it is hard to see them beating the Panthers. James Tedesco will lead them gallantly, but I think they'll be playing again next week.
Tip: Panthers by 10
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.33 (-9.5 $1.87) Roosters $3.30 (+9.5 $1.95)
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.
