Panthers v Sharks preliminary final tips & team news | NRL 2024

Panthers v Sharks best bets

NRL Finals Week 3: Panthers v Sharks preview

The Penrith Panthers will be looking to reach their fifth consecutive NRL Grand Final when they face the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday night at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The Panthers are $1.24 favourites with online bookmakers, while the Sharks sit at $4.10 after suffering a 42-point loss at the hands of Penrith in round 12 earlier this year.

These two clubs have met just once in finals football. That match took place at Allianz Stadium in 2018, when a 73rd-minute Chad Townsend field goal secured a one-point win for the Sharks after a young Nathan Cleary had orchestrated a 20-point comeback for the Panthers.

For this preliminary final clash, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon have named unchanged lineups after wins over the Roosters and Cowboys respectively in the last fortnight.

However, Fitzgibbon could be forced to make late changes. Jesse Ramien aggravated a syndesmosis injury recently, while fellow centre Kayal Iro is battling a biceps injury. If both are ruled out, it is expected Siosifa Talakai will be promoted from the bench to the centres, with 18th man Daniel Atkinson alongside him.

Penrith could also make a late change and recall second-rower Scott Sorenson to the starting side after being named in the extended reserves. This would likely be a straight swap for Luke Garner.

Panthers v Sharks prelim final teams

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Liam Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Lindsay Smith
15. Liam Henry
16. Matt Eisenhuth
17. Brad Schneider

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Kayal Iro
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Jack Williams
16. Royce Hunt
17. Thomas Hazelton

Panthers v Sharks betting predictions

The Panthers are on a 10-game winning streak, while they have won six of their last seven matches against the Sharks. Meanwhile, Cronulla have failed to cover the line in seven of their last eight clashes with the reigning premiers. With a fourth consecutive premiership on the line, back the Panthers to win by 13 points or more at $2 with top NRL betting sites.

Penrith winger Brian To’o has cemented himself as one of the NRL’s best big-game players. Not only has he scored tries in each of his last two matches, he has been the first tryscorer in three of the Panthers’ last four finals — including their win over the Roosters last time out. At $7 with Neds, there is great value for To’o to score the opener once again.

If the points are to come from anywhere for the Sharks, it will likely be through back-rower Briton Nikora. He has developed an incredible knack of scoring tries, both through set-pieces and open play. At $3.75 with major rugby league bookies, Nikora looks a strong bet in the anytime tryscorer market.

Best NRL bookmakers

Neds Code GETON

1

Take It To The Neds Level

Neds

Only orange bookie!

Check Out Neds Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? "GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms.

2

It Pays To Play

PlayUp

Aussie-owned horse racing specialists!

Check Out PlayUp Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms.

Bet365 Signup Code GETON

3

Never Ordinary

Bet365

World Favourite!

Visit Bet365 Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms.

Recommended!

Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING

4

Say Hey to the social bet!

Dabble

Have a Dabble with friends!

Join Dabble Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms.

5

Next Gen Racing Betting

pickleBet

Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.

Join Picklebet Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms.

6

Bet With A Boom

BoomBet

Daily Racing Promotions - Login to view!

Join Boombet Review

18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms.

7

By Players, For Players

UniBet

Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only

Join Unibet Review

18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms.

Sports betting tips