The NRL finals are set to kick off with a thrilling week of matches, as teams vie for supremacy in the 2025 Telstra Premiership. The Bulldogs face a crucial challenge to rediscover their form, while the Storm, despite recent setbacks, remain a formidable force. Meanwhile, the Panthers are poised to leverage their experience against the Warriors, and the Sharks and Roosters prepare for a nail-biting clash. Finally, the Raiders and Broncos are set to deliver a blockbuster showdown.
Storm vs Bulldogs: A Tactical Battle
The Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs enter the finals amidst form slumps and key player absences, making their matchup one of the most unpredictable of the series. The Storm are missing Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen due to injuries, along with Nelson Asofa-Solomona who is suspended. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are without Marcelo Montoya, Bronson Xerri, and potentially Jacob Kiraz, with Reed Mahoney dropped in a surprising move.
Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk weighed in on the match, emphasizing the strategic battle that will unfold. “Can the Storm win the premiership?” Johns questioned. Cronk responded confidently, citing the team’s resilience after past Grand Final defeats. “This is won in the coach’s box,” Cronk noted, highlighting Craig Bellamy’s potential to steer the team back on track.
The Bulldogs, however, have a chance if they return to their defensive roots. “They were the best team for the majority of the year when they focused on defense,” Cronk said. Johns echoed this sentiment, noting both teams need to reinforce their defensive strategies.
Panthers vs Warriors: Experience vs Home Advantage
The Panthers are favorites against the Warriors, thanks to their big-game experience and the presence of Nathan Cleary. However, playing on home turf gives the Warriors a fighting chance. Johns pointed out the Panthers’ strategic play, particularly Cleary’s precision, as key to their success.
Cronk highlighted James Fisher-Harris as a crucial player for the Warriors. “He knows how Penrith play,” Cronk said, emphasizing Fisher-Harris’s insider knowledge and the psychological edge it could provide. The battle between former teammates Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota is expected to set the tone for the match.
Johns described the Panthers’ methodical approach in big games, focusing on building pressure and suffocating opponents. “Their attack is very much an exact science,” he noted, underscoring the importance of strategic execution.
Sharks vs Roosters: A Clash of Titans
The Sharks and Roosters face off in what could be the toughest game to call in the first week of the finals. Both teams are in top form, with the Roosters coming off a strong win against the Rabbitohs and the Sharks having upset the Bulldogs.
Johns and Cronk discussed the pivotal role of Nicho Hynes, whose suspension was overturned, allowing him to play. “The back three have got to dominate yardage,” Johns emphasized, noting the importance of the Sharks’ backline in gaining ground.
Cronk pointed to Addin Fonua-Blake as a key player for the Sharks. “If Fonua-Blake can deliver, the Sharks will win,” Cronk stated, highlighting his potential impact in the forward pack. The Roosters, led by a resurgent James Tedesco, will rely on Sam Walker to strike the right balance in his gameplay.
Raiders vs Broncos: A Daytime Showdown
The Raiders and Broncos are set to deliver a thrilling encounter, with both teams having clashed earlier in the season. The daytime conditions in Canberra are expected to favor the Broncos, as Johns noted, “Sunday afternoon football in Canberra is fantastic.”
The forward packs of both teams are evenly matched, with the Raiders boasting stars like Joe Tapine and Hudson Young, while the Broncos counter with Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan. “The match-up for this, the forward packs will deliver,” Cronk predicted.
However, the game may ultimately hinge on the performance of the outside backs. “Which one of the outside backs gets up and about,” Cronk pondered, suggesting that a single moment of brilliance could tip the scales.
As the first week of the NRL finals approaches, fans can expect high-stakes drama and intense competition as these teams battle for a place in the next round.
