NRL Finals Week 3 betting tips, multi picks & predictions

September 24, 2025 2:35 pm.by Cayne Pitstock

NRL Finals Week Three

Only four teams remain as the Storm, Sharks, Broncos and Panthers duke it out this weekend for a spot in the 2025 NRL Grand Final.

After last weekend’s chaos, Melbourne and Cronulla will square off at AAMI Park on Friday night, while Brisbane will try to snap Penrith’s incredible grand final streak in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

With so much on the line and plenty of NRL betting value across both games, here’s our full Finals Week 3 preview with expert tips, best bets and a multi to follow.

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

Friday, September 26 – 7:50pm AEST – AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Melbourne Storm are back in familiar territory, hosting yet another preliminary final at AAMI Park — their 10th in the last 11 seasons.

While their recent form dipped late in the regular season, the return of Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen alongside Cameron Munster restores their spine to full strength. That quartet has been the difference-maker in Melbourne’s biggest games over the past decade.

Craig Bellamy’s men boast a 45–9 record at AAMI Park since 2021 and have won seven of their last eight clashes with Cronulla at the venue, so it no surprise they are heavy favourites with the top online bookmakers heading into Friday night.

Fast Payouts

Expect Melbourne’s middle rotation of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch and Tui Kamikamica to lay the platform before Munster and Hughes go to work.

The Cronulla Sharks arrive riding momentum after eliminating Canberra. Braydon Trindall’s huge kicking game complements Nicho Hynes’ playmaking, while Jesse Ramien and Ronaldo Mulitalo can cause damage if the Sharks generate quick rucks.

Even if the Sharks bring their best, Melbourne’s big-game experience and home fortress make them favourites to grind out another tight prelim win.

Storm vs Sharks best bets

Melbourne Storm by 1–12 points

+180
@
BetOnline

Eliesa Katoa anytime tryscorer

+160
@
BetOnline

Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers

Sunday, September 28 – 4:05pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

This is a rematch of the 2023 decider, but this time Brisbane host Penrith at their fortress.

The Broncos’ revival under Michael Maguire has been one of the stories of the rugby league season, capped by Ben Hunt’s incredible golden-point field goal to seal their prelim spot. They have a five-match winning streak, home advantage, and the return of Adam Reynolds steering the ship.

However, the Broncos are missing Billy Walters through injury and Patrick Carrigan via suspension — two key pieces in their recent run. Their challenge is not only tactical but mental, having lost their last six clashes with Penrith at Suncorp.

The Panthers, meanwhile, have steadied after a shaky first half of the season. Nathan Cleary’s orchestration, Brian To’o’s strike power, and Isaah Yeo’s control around the ruck make them as dangerous as ever in September.

The Panthers’ finals experience is unmatched, and another Cleary masterclass could propel them to yet another grand final. However, if the Broncos hit their peak form, this clash has genuine blowout potential — making the $5.20 on offer with top betting apps far too tempting to ignore.