It was a firey and thrilling start to the NRL Finals last week.
The Rabbitohs and Raiders have won through while the Eels and Sharks will be keen to atone for their losses.
Parramatta vs. Canberra
September 16th 7:50pm
It was an unlikely win for Canberra last week against a formidable Melbourne Storm outfit as their late-season resurgence continues into the finals. Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalli were simply outstanding for the Raiders, while Jack Wighton provided the scoring power that could be a feature for as long as Canberra progresses in this campaign.
Matthew Timoko showed last week he can set the tone early for Canberra, and Parramatta will focus on nullifying him at every opportunity.
Canberra might be the team going into this one with the winning form, but they will be hurt by the absence of Adam Elliott, who couldn’t recover in time from a pelvis injury.
The Eels may be licking their wounds after coming off second best to the all-conquering Penrith last week, but they have the fortitude to bounce back. Mitch Moses looks set for an unlikely appearance after a head injury sustained last week and, if fit, provides plenty of reassurance for a team looking to fight their way back.
The Eels are no stranger to the finals stage as a dependable performer late in the season. While last week may create some doubts in their minds, coach Brad Arthur knows what it takes to work on the weaknesses Penrith exposed, particularly in the backline that allowed Nathan Cleary to run amok last week. It will be a much more disciplined outfit that should end Canberra’s strong run home and hand Parramatta a date with North Queensland next week.
Suggested Bet: Parramatta -6.5 at $1.90
Cronulla vs. South Sydney
September 17th 8:00pm
The real test for Cronulla here is how to compose themselves and move on from a contest that could have easily gone their way last week.
The Sharks would have had the week off and a guaranteed preliminary final but for a Valentine Holmes field goal in extra time last week.
For all the heartbreak, there were numerous positives for the Sharks to come from last week, such as Toby Rudolph’s strong running and Nicho Hynes’ ability to set up plays.
Connor Tracey seemed a little off-kilter in the heat of the finals battle, failing to take advantage of some critical opportunities before spending time in the sin bin. This week, he needs to regroup and refocus to play his crucial role for the Sharks.
These two, in many ways, hold the key for Cronulla and will prove difficult match-ups for South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs need to maintain their composure and can’t afford to have anywhere near the four sin-bins in last week’s spiteful encounter with Sydney.
Alex Johnston is the leading man for the Rabbitohs, with his two tries last week bringing his season tally up to 30, while all eyes will be on Latrell Mitchell, who tends to draw attention for both the right and wrong reasons. He performed well against his old team last week with a try and five conversions, and his explosive nature will be front of mind for Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon as both teams eye off a preliminary final clash with the all-conquering Penrith.
Suggested Bet: Cronulla 1-12 at $3.35
