We’re only two games away from the grand final and the top four after the regular season will go to war in this week’s preliminary finals clashes.
The Sharks, fresh of winning their first finals game under Craig Fitzgibbon, have named an unchanged side to face the reigning premiers.
Meanwhile, both the Roosters and Storm are 1-17, with all four teams failing to make a change ahead of their respective sudden death finals.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
FRIDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters, 7:50pm AEST at AAMI Park
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Kane Bradley 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Joe Chan 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Analysis: The Storm are 1-17 from their side that beat the Sharks in the first week of finals. Sua Faalogo has been named on the extended bench and is a chance of returning on the bench from a hamstring injury, however that moves looms as an unlikely one for Craig Bellamy.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Siua Wong 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Jake Elliott 22. Michael Jennings
Analysis: The Roosters have named an unchanged side for this crucial sudden death clash. Victor Radley returned from a fractured scapula last week and has been named at lock. Rising star Jake Elliott has been included in the extended squad at only 19-years of age.
Luai to fire in last finals for Penrith | 03:29
MORE NRL NEWS
‘DOESN’T MATTER’: Hynes hits back at critics ahead of biggest game of his career
TEAM TIPS: Bellamy’s selection headache as Panthers star returns
HOOPS: Get on the bus: Ivan’s wild ride to coaching immortality as FIFTH GF beckons
SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks, 7:50pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Trent Toelau 20. Scott Sorensen 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Analysis: The Panthers have named back rower Scott Sorensen on the bench after he was ruled out from the club’s finals clash in week one with a hamstring injury. He looms as an unlikely return, but should he slot back into the side Luke Garner would make way with Matt Eisenhuth the likely man to drop to 18th man.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Analysis: The Sharks, after winning their first finals clash, have named an unchanged 17 to take on the Panthers. Jesse Ramien got through his first game back from an ankle injury unscathed. Meanwhile, Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall once again partner in the halves.
Source Agencies
