NRL Weekly Watch: Finals Week 1

Cleary named as Panthers host understrength Roosters

The NRL’s 2024 Finals series kicks off with the No.2 Panthers facing the No.3 Roosters at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.

Nathan Cleary (shoulder) has been named to start for the defending premiers with Jarome Luai shifting back to five-eighth and Brad Schneider making way in the only change to the side that snuck past the Titans in Round 27.

The Roosters welcome back wing duo Daniel Tupou (head knock) and Dom Young (calf) as well Lindsay Collins (rest) and Nat Butcher (head knock).

Junior Pauga, De La Salle Va’a, and Blake Steep are the men to drop out with Naufahu Whyte and Terrell May reverting to the interchange.

The Panthers have won nine in a row against the Roosters who have not won at BlueBet since 2018.

Sharks journey south to meet minor premier Storm

The Storm and Sharks do battle at AAMI Park on Saturday evening for a shot at a preliminary final.

Ryan Papenhuyzen (leg) and Christian Welch (illness) return for the hosts whilst Sua Fa’alogo (hamstring) drops out.

Oregon Kaufusi (rest) returns at front row for Cronulla with Royce Hunt reverting to the interchange and Tom Hazelton (knee) listed among the reserves.

The Storm have won six of their past eight against the Sharks and six of their past eight finals clashes at AAMI Park.

Cowboys host Knights in sudden-death showdown

Newcastle make the trip up to Townsville for a Saturday night, do-or-die face-off against the Cowboys.

Jordan McLean (hamstring) is back in for the Cows with Sam McIntyre reverting to the pine and Thomas Mikaele dropping back to the reserves.

Adam O’Brien has named the same 17 that took down the Dolphins on Sunday although Kai Pearce-Paul (leg) has been named among the reserves as he eyes a return.

The Cowboys have won seven of their past eight finals games in Townsville whilst Newcastle have not won there since 2015.

Bulldogs to face Manly in finals return

The Bulldogs will appear in their first finals game in eight years when they host the Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium on Sunday.

Josh Addo-Carr (stood down) is unavailable for Canterbury however Bronson Xerri (suspension), Matt Burton (head knock), and Jeral Skelton (leg) return for Cameron Ciraldo.

Eli Clark, Jonathan Sua, and Drew Hutchison drop out whilst Jacob Kiraz shifts out to the wing.

The Sea Eagles have won 10 of their past 11 against the Dogs.

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