Preliminary final weekend is here, and with it comes two blockbuster clashes that will decide who advances to the NRL’s grand final stage. First up, the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks battle it out on Friday night as Craig Bellamy’s finals-hardened outfit looks to deny the Sharks a long-awaited return to the decider. Then on Sunday, the Brisbane Broncos welcome the reigning premiers Penrith Panthers to Suncorp Stadium in a mouth-watering showdown between two powerhouse clubs, with Brisbane out for revenge and Penrith chasing an historic five-peat. We’ve broken down this weekends games for all your latest tips and predictions
Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks:
Since lifting the trophy in 2016, the Cronulla Sharks have been consistent finals contenders, missing out only once in that time. But the ultimate prize has continued to elude them, and now they sit just 80 minutes away from a return to the NRL’s biggest stage. Standing in their way are the Melbourne Storm, a club that has set the standard for excellence over the past two decades. Since that 2016 decider, Melbourne have appeared in three more grand finals, winning in 2017 and 2020 before falling short against Penrith last year.
The Sharks will take confidence from their Round 11 clash, when they edged Melbourne 31-26 at PointsBet Stadium. Under Craig Fitzgibbon’s guidance, they’ve shown they can match it with the heavyweights, but to book their place at Accor Stadium on October 5, they’ll need another huge performance from marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake. The powerhouse forward averaged 161 metres per game across the season and looms as a key figure against Melbourne’s middle men, particularly Stefano Utoikamanu and Josh King.
The Storm, meanwhile, are bolstered by the return of three big names. Halfback Jahrome Hughes (forearm), fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion), and second-rower Shawn Blore (larynx) are all back in the fold for Friday night. Papenhuyzen slots in at fullback, pushing Nick Meaney to the centres and Grant Anderson out of the side, while Hughes’ comeback sees Jonah Pezet make way. Blore has been named on the bench, with Ativalu Lisati promoted to the starting pack.
For Cronulla, changes are minimal. Oregon Kaufusi comes onto the bench for Tom Hazelton, who is sidelined with concussion. It’s a simple switch for the Sharks as they prepare for their biggest challenge of the season.
With Melbourne’s finals experience clashing against Cronulla’s hunger for a long-awaited return to the grand final, Friday night promises to be a gripping battle. For me, I’ll be tipping the Cronulla Sharks by 4 points.
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers:
The Penrith Panthers are once again on the cusp of history, just 80 minutes away from a sixth straight grand final appearance and the chance to secure an extraordinary fifth premiership in a row. But their path to October glory won’t be easy, with the Brisbane Broncos desperate to overturn their last grand final heartbreak and deliver a long-awaited title back to Red Hill for the first time since 2006.
Sunday’s blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium is loaded with star power and mouth-watering head-to-heads. From the clash of elite fullbacks Reece Walsh and Dylan Edwards, to the explosive centre pairing of Kotoni Staggs and Izack Tago, to the forward battle between Payne Haas and Moses Leota, every part of the field promises high-octane action with a season on the line.
The only meeting between the sides this year came at Magic Round, where the Panthers ran away with a commanding 32-8 win. That was during a turbulent start to Penrith’s season, when they managed just three victories from their first nine games and slumped to the bottom of the ladder after Round 12. But as champions do, they responded in emphatic fashion with nine straight wins to surge back into premiership contention. With back-to-back finals triumphs over the Roosters and Bulldogs, Ivan Cleary’s men look to be hitting peak form at the perfect time.
The Broncos, however, are a different beast at home. They’ve claimed 10 wins from 14 outings at Suncorp this season and will be roared on by 50,000 fans in full voice. Their finals push is boosted by the return of skipper Adam Reynolds, who slots back in after five weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ezra Mam also makes his comeback via the bench, while Ben Hunt shifts to five-eighth following Billy Walters’ ACL setback. Tyson Smoothy replaces the suspended Pat Carrigan at lock, and Selwyn Cobbo has been named in the reserves as he eyes a possible return.
For the Panthers, stability remains their greatest strength. They head into the clash unchanged, with Liam Martin and Casey McLean cleared of minor niggles and Mitch Kenny building match fitness after his recent hamstring layoff. Brian To’o’s phenomenal record of 17 tries in 17 finals matches, coupled with Nathan Cleary’s staggering streak of 26 consecutive daytime victories, underline just how formidable this side becomes in September.
With Brisbane chasing redemption and Penrith chasing immortality, Sunday’s preliminary final at Suncorp is set to deliver fireworks. For me, I’ll be tipping Penrith in a golden point thriller. Panthers by 1.
With a grand final berth on the line, both preliminary finals promise intensity, drama, and moments that will live long in NRL folklore. The Storm and Sharks clash shapes as a test of experience versus ambition, while the Broncos and Panthers showdown pits redemption against a dynasty in full flight. No matter which way the results fall, fans can expect two gripping contests that will set the stage perfectly for an unforgettable decider at Accor Stadium. As the season hits do or die, make sure you’re fully stocked up on all the latest 2025 officially licensed supporter gear from Jerseys Megastore! Whether you’re cheering from the stands or the couch, we’ve got you covered for all things footy!
