NRL Preliminary finals Matches, Odds & picks for 2024 Season

We have had 2 weeks of the Finals played and are now down to the final 4 teams, with the two games set to come our way this weekend.

Before we get into Week 2 and the matchups that are coming our way, we should probably do a quick recap of the finals format and how things have played out to this point.

My Analysis for the Preliminary Finals

We have teams that have dominated and a couple that have had to take the long road to this point in the season, but when it comes down to it, anything can happen in a one-off game, especially when every team is aware that a loss means the end of the season.

All 4 remaining teams are going to like their chances of moving on to the Grand Final, but there are a pair of definite favorites in the eyes of the bookies.

Will it be the favorites moving on, or are we going to see an upset or two? Let’s take a closer look at both Preliminary Finals matches.

Melbourne Storm -345 vs Sydney Roosters +266

When: Friday, September 27, 5:50 AM ET

The Melbourne Storm ended the regular season at the top of the ladder, amassing 44 points, which left them 4 points up on the closest challenger.

They only lost 5 games all season long, so it is no real surprise that they are now on the brink of heading to the Grand Final.

The Roosters finished the regular season sitting in 3rd on the ladder, which meant that they had a double shot heading into the Finals.

The top 4 teams play one another, with the losers knowing that they will get another shot.

The Roosters lost to the Panthers in Week 1, but they bounced back from that defeat quite nicely, routing the Sea Eagles 40-16 in Week 2.

The Storm come into this one as a 9 ½ point favorite, which is no real surprise given that they have beaten the Roosters twice already this season.

Both of those previous meetings did not deliver a ton of points, so the UNDER 45 ½ points might be the way to go with this one.

I think the Storm win and move on to the Grand Final.

Paps' purpose 💜

The fullback chats his 2024 season, mindset and this Friday's Preliminary Final ⚡️
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) September 25, 2024

Penrith Panthers -455 vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks +312

When: Saturday, September 28, 5:50 AM ET

On the face of it, this game looks to be something of a mismatch, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The Panthers stumbled a little coming down the stretch, going 3-2 in their final 5 games of the regular season, but they still finished 2nd and stepped it up a gear in Week 1, beating the Roosters 30-10 to move on to the semi-final.

The Sharks finished down in 4th in the regular season, which meant a tough matchup against the Storm in Week 1 of the finals, which they lost 37-10.

Because of their top 4 finish, they earned a second shot, which they took full advantage of, taking care of the Cowboys in a 26-18 win in Week 2.

The Panthers come into this one as an 11 ½ point favorite, and for very good reason. In their last 2 meetings with the Sharks, they have won both games and outscored the opposition 70-0 in the process.

They look like a good bet to win and cover this weekend and to make it to the Grand Final.

Battle for a shot at glory 👊#NRLFinals pic.twitter.com/OO1MdbsKeB
— NRL (@NRL) September 25, 2024

Rugby League NRL Odds To Reach the Grand Final

Penrith Panthers +123
Melbourne Storm +137
Sydney Roosters +770
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks +960

Previous Betting News | MyBookie News Archive

2023 Preliminary Finals Games

The final two weeks of the NRL season are upon us, and this weekend, it is all about the Preliminary Finals. We will find out the two sides that will compete in the 2023 Grand Final as the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers kick off a busy weekend of action.

The final spot in the Grand Finals will be determined on Saturday, as the Brisbane Broncos and Warriors collide at Suncorp Stadium. But which teams will make it through to the big match on the NRL schedule this year?

Below are the matches between the top eight teams and the information needed ahead of the Preliminary Finals matchups with the top NRL lines offered by MyBookie Sportsbook.

NRL Betting Picks and Analysis for Preliminary Finals Games | MyBookie Rugby Betting Preview

2023 National Rugby League | 116th season of professional rugby league in Australia
Friday, September 22nd – Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
Preliminary Finals of the NRL season

Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm

NRL Odds: Panthers -12.5; Storm +12.5 / Panthers -588; Storm +413 / O/U 38.5
Friday, September 22nd, 2023 at 5:50 a.m. EST
Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia

For many, the standout match this weekend will see the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm collide in a rematch of the 2020 Grand Final. On that occasion, the Storm came through with a 26-20 win, but that only kick-started the dynasty enjoyed by the Panthers in recent seasons.

The hosts come into the weekend as the defending champions and the minor premiers, and they will be heavily favored to continue their dominant run to the Grand Final.

Penrith comes into this match well-rested, as they cruised through against the Warriors to book their spot at this stage at the beginning of September. Their record at this stage is incredibly hard to ignore, as they have won their last seven matches in the finals. They have also won four of their last five against the Storm.

However, the Storm built momentum with a dramatic last-minute win over the Roosters last weekend, and they have appeared at this stage of the NRL in eight of the last nine years.

But, the key trend could be the fact that the Panthers have won seven of their last eleven against their rivals, and that could see them as the standout pick to secure their spot in the Grand Final once again.

NRL Preliminary Finals Pick: Penrith Panthers -588 | Bet Panthers vs. Storm Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Brisbane Broncos vs. New Zealand Warriors

NRL Odds: Broncos -10.5; Warriors +10.5 / Broncos -384; Warriors +293 / O/U 42.5
Friday, September 23rd, 2023 at 5:50 a.m. EST
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia

History will be made regardless of the outcome at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, as the Brisbane Broncos and Warriors are both looking to end their wait for an appearance in the Grand Final.

The Warriors have defied all expectations this term to reach this stage of the competition, as they will be competing in the Preliminary Finals for the first time since 2011 following victory over the Knights last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have made an extended period to prepare for this showdown, as they bolted past the Knights in the opening round of the postseason. Brisbane will take confidence from the last clash between these sides at this stage, as they won 40-10 in 2011. However, they haven’t won the title in 17 years.

The Warriors are chasing a first title since entering the NRL in 1995, and they appear to be a team that are looking stronger with every passing week. We will be siding with the visitors this weekend, as the hosts have won just three of their last eight at Suncorp Stadium.

Marcelo Montoya could be a player to watch for the Warriors, as he has scored in three straight appearances against the Broncos.

NRL Preliminary Finals Pick: Warriors +293 | Bet Broncos vs. Warriors Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

2023 NRL Preliminary Finals Schedule

Date	Time	Home	Away
Friday, September 22	5:50 a.m.	Penrith Panthers	vs.	Melbourne Storm
Saturday, September 23	5:50 a.m.	Brisbane Broncos	vs.	New Zealand Warriors
Bet NRL Preliminary Finals Games