NRL Finals 2023 Week 3 preview, betting tips & odds

Heading into the third week of the NRL Premiership finals series, we look forward to two fascinating matchups featuring the top four teams in the competition. With matches in Sydney and Brisbane, here is a preview of what’s to come.

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm

Week three kicks off on Friday night with the first preliminary final between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium.

The Panthers suffered a scare at training on Monday as star halfback Nathan Cleary was admitted to hospital due to a finger problem, but he was later cleared of any serious injury. In a major boost, Cleary’s State of Origin teammate Jarome Luai is expected to return for the Panthers after suffering a shoulder injury four weeks ago. Despite showing solid form across the last month, Jack Cogger is expected to make way.

Melbourne Storm duo Jahrome Hughes (calf) and Xavier Coates (ankle) are in a race against the clock to be available this weekend after both missed the match against the Roosters. Reimis Smith looks the likely omission for Coates, while Hughes would return in place of Tyran Wishart.

While this should be a physical contest, the Panthers should win it comfortably and cover the line in this process.

Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors

After a comprehensive win last weekend against the Knights, the New Zealand Warriors now travel to Brisbane to take on the Broncos in the second preliminary final.

After having the week off, the Broncos are not expected to make any changes to the side that beat the Storm 26-0 two weeks ago.

Likewise, the Warriors are also not expected to make any changes to their line-up, with Josh Curran expected to overcome a finger injury sustained against the Knights.

With the Brisbane Broncos showing excellent home form throughout the season, we are backing them to be too much for the Warriors as they cover the line of -10.5 points.

More sports betting tips