For the eight teams still in the hunt for premiership glory this season, it all comes down to this.
September is crunch time in rugby league, as ambition and hunger is put to the test in a series of decisive finals matchups.
Each and every team will believe they’re in with a chance of winning the sport’s ultimate prize at Accor Stadium on October 2, but they’ll have to prove their worth first.
The finals kicks off with a blockbuster between minor premiers Penrith Panthers, and rivals Parramatta Eels in a Battle of the West on Friday night.
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Parramatta is the only team to beat the reigning premiers twice this season, but the Panthers welcome back star playmaker Nathan Cleary for the Qualifying Final.
The Canberra Raiders snuck into the top eight after the Brisbane Broncos fell apart in the backend of the regular season.
Canberra will be more than confident ahead of tomorrow’s Elimination Final against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park, a venue they’ve won their last four games at.
Cronulla host North Queensland in another mouthwatering finals matchup in the late game tomorrow night.
Whoever loses that matchup will face the winner of the final game of the weekend, which is a crunch clash between the Roosters and Rabbitohs.
The men from the eastern suburbs got the better of their fierce rivals last week and the new-look Allianz Stadium, but form goes out the window at this time of year.
It’s an all new ball game.
Ahead of what might be the most open and competitive finals series of all time, Fox League experts have had their say on who might win it all, and who could shake up the finals.
FOX LEAGUE EXPERTS – FINALS PREVIEW
MATTY JOHNS
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
Panthers. Their class is a cut above everyone else in the competition and their experience from last year will ensure they go back-to-back in 2022.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Melbourne Storm.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Nathan Cleary. It’s important to note he’s been suspended not injured and he’ll be refreshed and showing no signs of rust when he takes on Parramatta tonight.
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DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
South Sydney.
BRAITH ANASTA
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
Penrith. It’s simple, they’re the best team in the comp. Back to full-strength for the finals. And the Cleary and Luai combination will be firing again.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Parramatta.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Dylan Edwards. Ultra-consistent. He’s had an outstanding year and is due for a big finals series.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
Souths. If they can overcome the Roosters on Sunday night I get the feeling they could go on another run to the Grand Final.
STEVE ‘BLOCKER’ ROACH
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
Panthers. They’ve been the best team for the last two years and have got all their players back for the finals. I’m tipping them to go back-to-back.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Parramatta. They’ll lose tonight and meet the Panthers again in the Grand Final.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Dylan Brown. Great ball runner. He’s up there with the most improved players in the comp. If he decides to run he’ll cause some damage.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
The Roosters. They just look fitter than everyone else to me. JWH and Lodge can lay a great platform up front allowing their superstar backs to score plenty of points.
BILLY MOORE
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
The Roosters. Their attack is firing at the right time of the year & they’re defending their mistakes.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Melbourne will make the GF – all down to them being on the easier side of the draw.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
James Tedesco. He’s the best player in the world.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
Cowboys. They’re a young squad Cowboys and with the coach are constantly learning and developing, getting better and better.
MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
The Roosters. They’ve got the secret weapon… The Coach Whisperer!
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Panthers. They’re simply too good not to be there on Grand Final Day.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
James Tedesco. He makes 250+ meters every game. He‘s unstoppable.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
The Raiders. Starting to give bruises out again. Not bandaids!
PAUL CRAWLEY
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
Penrith. They’ve been the best team all season and are injury free.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Cowboys. Great strike across the park and go into the finals fully fit.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Nathan Cleary. Best halfback in the game and has had a five week freshen up.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
Cowboys. Great strike and were season‘s second-best defensive team for a reason.
BEN ELIAS
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
The Roosters. Healthy squad and have plenty of points in them.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Panthers.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
James Tedesco. He always produces the goods in big games. That’s what makes him so special!
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
Parramatta. They have strike power all over the field and can cause plenty of damage.
PAUL KENT
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
Penrith. Have just been playing a level above everyone all year.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Parramatta.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Nathan Cleary will show why he‘s the best player in the game.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
Cowboys. North Queensland are on the up and gained a lot of big match experience through Origin this year.
BRENT READ
WHO WINS THE GRAND FINAL & WHY?
The Cowboys. Tipping them to win in week one and they play at home in prelim final. Been great all season and have some real match winners.
RUNNER UP IN THE GRAND FINAL?
Parramatta.
PLAYER TO WATCH IN FINALS & WHY?
Latrell Mitchell. He’s always a player to watch.
DARK HORSE FINALS TEAM & WHY?
As above. The Cowboys will shock a lot of people.
