The business end of the season has arrived, and Week 1 of the 2025 NRL Finals Series promises blockbuster clashes, star-studded lineups, and plenty of drama. From a Storm side limping into September to the Panthers chasing history from unfamiliar territory, every game this weekend carries massive stakes. The Roosters are flying into the eight with momentum, the Sharks are looking to defend their turf, and the minor premiers Raiders, are set to lock horns with a hungry Broncos outfit in the pick of the round. We’ve broken down all four matchups and delivered our verdicts, including a couple of upsets on the cards. Let’s dive into the action
Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
It’s been a bumpy road to September for both sides, with the Storm stumbling into the finals after back-to-back losses to the Roosters and Broncos and copping a double blow with injuries to key men Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen. The Bulldogs didn’t fare much better, getting swept aside by the Sharks in Round 27 and losing winger Marcelo Montoya to an ankle injury. Not the ideal lead-in to finals footy, but there’s still plenty of class on both sides as they do battle at AAMI Park. Expect Cameron Munster to shoulder more of the load in Hughes’ absence, while Dogs captain Stephen Crichton will be out to inspire a big lift from his side. These two clubs haven’t met in a finals clash since 2014, when Tim Lafai’s hat-trick helped the Bulldogs to a stunning 28-4 upset – a result they’ll be hoping to repeat on Saturday night. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 4 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers:
The four-time defending premiers face a new kind of challenge in 2025, chasing glory from outside the top four for the first time in their historic run. After a patchy season that saw them finish seventh, the Panthers now head to Auckland for a sudden-death showdown with the Warriors to keep their five-peat dream alive. The Warriors looked set for a double chance before late-season losses to the Eels and Sea Eagles saw them slip to sixth, setting up a do-or-die clash with the NRL’s benchmark September performers. Penrith haven’t lost a finals game since the 2021 qualifying final; a run that’s seen them lift the trophy three times since. They’ll be boosted by the return of big guns Brian To’o and Liam Martin while the Warriors welcome back hooker Wayde Egan and workhorse forward Jackson Ford as they look to snap a decade-long finals drought and send a massive home crowd into raptures. Expect Penrith to be too strong here, though. I’m tipping Panthers by 14 points.
Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters:
Finals footy doesn’t get much juicier than this. The red-hot Roosters have stormed into September with five wins from their past six to snatch eighth spot, while the Sharks come in confident after a dominant 24-6 win over the Bulldogs in Round 27. James Tedesco is playing arguably the best footy of his career, and winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has been unstoppable out wide, helping the Roosters rack up a whopping 202 points over their last six outings. But Cronulla won’t be intimidated as they’ve claimed seven of eight since their Round 18 bye, with middle forwards Addin Fonua-Blake, Toby Rudolf, and Tom Hazelton setting the tone. In a huge boost, Nicho Hynes is free to play after a successful downgrade of his Dangerous Contact charge, setting up a mouth-watering halves battle with in-form Roosters No.7 Sam Walker, who’s been electric since returning from injury. The Sharks took the chocolates when these sides last met in Round 20 at PointsBet Stadium, running out 31-18 winners with 10 players clocking over 100 metres. Expect fireworks, big hits, and tries galore! I’m tipping the Roosters by 8 points in a high-scoring thriller.
Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos:
A heavyweight showdown looms at GIO Stadium as the minor premiers Canberra host the fourth-placed Broncos in a blockbuster with a preliminary final berth and a crucial week off up for grabs. The Raiders have been the benchmark all season and will be full of belief after getting the better of Brisbane 32-22 back in Round 2, thanks to standout performances from Seb Kris, Hudson Young and Zac Hosking. But the Broncos have plenty of firepower of their own, with electric fullback Reece Walsh and veteran playmaker Ben Hunt primed to lead the charge. Sunday’s clash promises high-quality contests across the park – from the No.1s Kaeo Weekes and Walsh, to engine-room enforcers Joe Tapine and Payne Haas. Remarkably, this will be just the fourth time these two proud clubs have met in a finals match, the last coming all the way back in 1995 when the likes of Laurie Daley and Allan Langer were at the heart of a fierce rivalry. Now, a new generation will look to carve their names into history as Canberra chase their first title since 1994 and Brisbane eye a return to the summit after nearly two decades. I’m tipping the Green Machine by 2 points!
With four massive clashes on deck and everything to play for, Week 1 of the finals is shaping up to be an absolute cracker. Whether it’s the battle-hardened Panthers trying to keep their dynasty alive, the Roosters looking to ride their red-hot form, or the Raiders and Broncos reigniting a decades-old rivalry, there’s no shortage of storylines. Strap yourself in for a weekend of big hits, big plays, and even bigger moments. And remember, whether you're backing your team from the stands or the couch, Jerseys Megastore has you covered with all the latest officially licensed 2025 supporter wear. Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!
