Overview
- Melbourne vs Canterbury opens the finals at AAMI Park on Friday at 7:50 p.m. AEST with live coverage on Fox League and Channel 9 plus streaming on Kayo, Foxtel and 9Now.
- The Week 1 slate features Warriors vs Panthers and Sharks vs Roosters on Saturday, followed by Raiders vs Broncos on Sunday.
- Published team lists name Tyran Wishart at halfback and Harry Grant at hooker for the Storm, while the Bulldogs start Stephen Crichton in the centres with Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin in the halves.
- The Roar’s panel largely tips the Storm over the Bulldogs and the Panthers over the Warriors, with mixed views on Sharks vs Roosters and Broncos vs Raiders.
- Sporting News’ Sportsbet-led preview projects Panthers by 12 with Casey McLean as an anytime tryscorer, Roosters by 6 with a Tupou try in a win, and Raiders by 4 with Ethan Strange and Reece Walsh as anytime options.