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The NRL has been handed two all-Sydney derbies, a clash between old rivals Melbourne and Cronulla, and Kalyn Ponga's return home to start the finals.
WHO PLAYS WHO IN NRL FINALS, WEEK ONE (all times AEST)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
First Qualifying Final
2- Penrith v 3- Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium, 7.50pm
Both sides have shown signs of faltering in the past month, but the winner will immediately become a title favourite. Penrith hope to have Nathan Cleary, who has the potential to solve almost all of their issues from recent weeks. The Roosters are still putting their spine back together, with Sandon Smith and Connor Watson to wear No.7 and No.9 after Sam Walker and Brandon Smith's ACL ruptures last week.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Second Qualifying Final
1- Melbourne v 4- Cronulla at AAMI Park, 4.05pm
Two sides who have been waiting for the opening week of the finals for months. If there is one side that has the potential to trouble minor premiers Melbourne at AAMI Park it's the Sharks. Cronulla beat the Storm 25-18 in Melbourne this year, before falling into a mid-season lull. There have been signs in recent times of a rebound, including a 40-20 job on Manly on Sunday in the final round.
First Elimination Final
5- North Queensland v 8- Newcastle at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 4.05pm
Kalyn Ponga comes up against his old club in a finals match. Ponga had a quiet season until mid-August, before bouncing back to life in the past three weeks. He was again their best in the virtual play-in game against the Dolphins on Sunday. North Queensland have also been a picture of inconsistency for parts of 2024, but will be hard to beat if they play to the same level they did in their 44-6 win over Canterbury on Saturday.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Second Elimination Final
6- Canterbury v 7- Manly at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm
Who would dare predict how either of these sides will play in a knockout final? Canterbury have been the fairytale team of the competition for the past few months, but have been beaten badly in the middle in the past two weeks. Manly dominated the Bulldogs pack in a 34-22 win just a week ago, but their challenge has been producing that level for sustained periods this season.
