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Predicting Week 1 of the 2022 NRL Finals: Who will stay in the fight?

Roar Rookie
6th September, 2022
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Roar Rookie
6th September, 2022
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With our first taste of the 2022 NRL Finals series right around the corner, it’s time we considered what the competition might look like in a week’s time.

Panthers vs Eels

The battle of the west reignites as the Eels visit Penrith to battle against the competition’s best.

After having knocked off the reigning premiers twice this year already, Parramatta will be going into this match with nothing but confidence and determination.

With Panthers halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai taking the field together for the first time in six weeks, the Blue and Golds will be sniffing out a chance to advance into their first preliminary final since 2009.

However, the well-rested Penrith outfit will be up for the challenge in front of their home crowd, and the ten years of halves partnership that Cleary and Luai have under their belts should be enough to get them through.

Panthers by 8.

Storm vs Raiders

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Friends turn foes as former teammates Craig Bellamy and Ricky Stuart face off yet again in a high-stakes finals matchup.

After scraping into the top eight with a hefty win over the Wests Tigers, Canberra will be looking to get the better of Melbourne as they did in Round 18.

However, the Storm will be surging into the game in front of their home fans, and with the return of superstar halfback Jahrome Hughes, they should be able to advance to the semis.

Storm by 14.

Craig Bellamy

(Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

Sharks vs Cowboys

The two most surprising high achievers of the year will take aim at each other in the Shire in a bid to book their place in a preliminary final.

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After having reached second spot on the ladder at the end of the regular season, Nicho Hynes and the Sharks will be determined to back up their phenomenal year with a win in their first finals game with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm.

Likewise, Todd Payten’s Cowboys will be looking to prove that they’ve earned their top four spot and are a true chance at the premiership.

Against the club which he won a premiership with, Chad Townsend and the Cowboys could be able to snatch a victory from the jaws of the Sharks.

Cowboys by 2.

Roosters vs Rabbitohs

Renewing rugby league’s oldest rivalry for the second time in as many weeks, South Sydney will visit their Eastern Suburbs counterparts in a do or die face off.

Even without some big names last week, the Red, White and Blue were able to get the better of Souths.

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Despite the loss of superstar centre Joseph Manu, the Chooks will have both of their wings boosted with the inclusions of Daniel Tupou and Joseph Suaali, as well as Victor Radley returning in the middle.

Souths will have their own personnel on the way with Cameron Murray set to be cleared for play and Damien Cook coming back from illness.

As always, the animosity will run deep between the sides as Latrell Mitchell will be looking to knock his former club out of the playoffs at their brand new stadium.

Souths by 4.

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