The Bulldogs are at a crossroads as they aim to rediscover their identity, while the Roosters’ Sam Walker is drawing comparisons to Reece Walsh in a bid to propel his team forward. Meanwhile, the spotlight is on Addin Fonua-Blake to justify the hefty investment made by his club. As the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership finals kick off, FOX LEAGUE on Kayo Sports remains the exclusive platform for live, uninterrupted coverage of every game.
Storm vs Bulldogs: A Clash of Struggling Giants
The Melbourne Storm and the Bulldogs enter the finals series grappling with form slumps and the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions. This sets the stage for an unpredictable showdown. Melbourne will be without Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while the Bulldogs are missing Marcelo Montoya, Bronson Xerri, and possibly Jacob Kiraz. In a surprising move, they have also dropped Reed Mahoney.
Matty Johns posed a question to Cronk about which of the eight finals teams he’d bet on to win the competition. Cronk, drawing from personal experience, didn’t hesitate to back the Storm despite their current struggles.
“Yes I do,” Cronk said. “I just feel like what happened last year, I’ve been there. I’ve lost grand finals and it plays a part.”
Cronk believes the match will be decided in the coach’s box, with Craig Bellamy’s strategic prowess potentially turning the tide for the Storm.
On the other hand, Cronk sees potential for the Bulldogs to cause an upset if they return to their defensive roots, which served them well earlier in the season.
“The Bulldogs on the other side, they were the best team for the majority of the year, when they were doubling down on their defence,” Cronk noted.
Johns emphasized that both teams need to focus on their defensive strategies to succeed.
Warriors vs Panthers: A Battle of Experience vs Home Advantage
The Panthers, buoyed by their big-game experience and the presence of Nathan Cleary, are favorites to advance. However, the Warriors, playing on their home turf, are poised to challenge the reigning champions. Johns highlighted the Panthers’ strategic play against the Dragons as a blueprint for their finals approach.
Cronk pointed out the crucial role of James Fisher-Harris for the Warriors, given his insider knowledge of the Panthers’ tactics.
“This is where James Fisher-Harris plays a part in this game,” Cronk said. “He is the key man in this game.”
The battle between Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota is expected to set the tone for the match, with both sides looking to assert dominance early on.
Sharks vs Roosters: A Tight Contest with Big Stakes
The Sharks and Roosters face off in what is arguably the most evenly matched game of the first finals week. Both teams are in top form, with the Roosters coming off a strong win over the Rabbitohs and the Sharks having upset the Bulldogs.
The decision to allow Nicho Hynes to play after a suspension downgrade has been a significant development for the Sharks. Johns and Cronk both agreed it was the right call, though Cronk urged for consistency from the match review committee.
Cronk identified Addin Fonua-Blake as a key player for the Sharks, emphasizing his potential to influence the game significantly.
“If Fonua-Blake can deliver on that alpha male role and smash the Roosters pack, I think the Sharks will win,” Cronk stated.
Meanwhile, the Roosters will rely on their captain, James Tedesco, and young talent Sam Walker to lead them to victory.
Raiders vs Broncos: A Daytime Duel in Canberra
The Raiders and Broncos are set to clash in what many consider the match of the weekend. Historically, the Broncos have struggled in Canberra’s unique conditions, but the daytime setting could play to their advantage.
The forward packs of both teams are expected to be pivotal, with the Raiders’ Joe Tapine and Hudson Young facing off against the Broncos’ formidable lineup.
Cronk suggested that the game might hinge on the performance of the outside backs, with players like Weekes, Walsh, Timoko, and Staggs having the potential to make game-changing plays.
As the finals series unfolds, the outcomes of these matches will not only determine who advances but also set the tone for the rest of the competition. With each team bringing its unique strengths and strategies to the table, fans can expect a thrilling start to the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership finals.
