NRL Finals Preview – Will Injury Cost The Sharks & Dragons A Spot In The Preliminary Finals?

Four teams are set to fight it out for the final two spots remaining in the preliminary finals this weekend and if last week is anything to go by, it’s sure to be full of excitement.

Game 1

 Sharks V Panthers – Friday 7:40 pm – Allianz Stadium

Cronulla will be looking to put last week’s loss to the Roosters behind them when they face a resurgent Panthers outfit. The Sharks will feel as if it was the one that got away last week when they failed to make the most of their opportunities when the game was in the balance. If they are to defeat the Panthers they will have to do it without captain Wade Graham after he was ruled out with an ACL tear.

Penrith has become the comeback kings after yet another come from behind victory last week. The Panthers conceded two tries in five minutes against the Warriors and would’ve had fans very nervous but were able to overcome the 10 point deficit and finish with 25 unanswered points to defeat the Warriors but you get the feeling if they were able to give a start here they will struggle to crawl back and win.

Insights

• The sharks have won eight if its last nine matches against the Panthers.
• Cronulla has scored 21-30 points in each of their last four matches against the Panthers.
• Josh Dugan has scored a try in four of his last five outings.
• Josh Mansour has scored at least one try in each of his last four Friday appearances.
• Waqa Blake has scored at least one try in each of the Panthers’ last five away matches.

TIP: Panthers 1-12 @ $3.40     MULTI TIP: Panthers 1-12 + Waqa Blake Anytime Try-scorer @ $8.75

Game 2

Rabbitohs V Dragons – Saturday 7:40 pm – ANZ Stadium

The Rabbitohs had the perfect opportunity to beat the Storm last week but after being beaten by one point they’ll have to back it up again this week. They’ll be buoyed by the fact that they get an extra two days of rest compared to the Dragons and they’re sure to need it after one of the most physical games in history against the Storm last week.

The Dragons surprised many and surged back into form beating the Broncos at Suncorp for the first time in ten appearances. The game didn’t come without casualties with Gareth Widdop suffering from a dislocated shoulder which has him ruled out for this game.

Kurt Mann is set to take his place this week but it will place added pressure on Ben hunt who has seemed to struggle without Widdop this season.

Insights

• The Rabbitohs have won each of their last four matches against the Dragons at ANZ Stadium.
• Five of South Sydney’s last six night matches have gone OVER the total match points line.
• Greg Inglis has scored at least one try in each of South Sydney’s last two home finals.
• Luciano Leilua has scored a try in three of St. George Illawarra’s last four night matches.
• Matt Dufty has scored a try in each of his last two outings.

TIP: Dragons + 12.5 @ $1.91     MULTI TIP: Matt Dufty Anytime Try-scorer + Dragons +11.5 @ $4.75

WEEKEND TIP

Panthers Win + Dragons +12.5 @ $4.20