JULY 9,2026 - THURSDAY

NRL Weekly Watch: Previewing Preliminary Finals

1 year ago - Sportingbase NRL Weekly Watch: Previewing Preliminary Finals Image

Sold-out AAMI Park the scene for Storm, Roosters rematch

The Roosters make the trip to AAMI Park for a Friday night showdown against the Storm.

It will mark their fifth finals meetings over a nine-year span – including the 2018 NRL Grand Final – with both sides having snagged two wins.

Craig Bellamy has opted to name the same 17 that stormed past Cronulla in Week 1 of the finals although Sua Fa’alogo (hamstring) has been named among the reserves.

Even if the Samoan international is deemed fit, he is unlikely to slot in given the stellar job in which utility Tyran Wishart has done throughout the season.

Trent Robinson has also made no changes to his 17 with Victor Radley (scapula) having successfully gotten through their clash against Manly.

The Roosters have beaten the Storm just once from their past 11 clashes and have won just four of 13 at AAMI Park.


Penrith face Cronulla, eye 5th straight decider

The Panthers face the Sharks on Saturday night at Accor Stadium in a bid to qualify for their fifth-straight Grand Final – a feat not achieved in the NRL era.

Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 that took care of the Roosters a fortnight ago however New Zealand international Scott Sorensen has been named among the reserves as he looks to make a return from a hamstring issue.

Craig Fitzgibbon has also named the same 17 that took down the Cowboys in last week’s semi-final.

Penrith are eyeing a record 11th-straight finals win and have beaten the Sharks in seven of their past eight meetings.


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