Home
NRL

NRL Preliminary Finals 2025 Predictions – Storm v Sharks & Broncos v Panthers

Jeremy Darke

Editor

Last updated: Tue 23 Sep 2025 09:52

Jeremy Darke 23 Sep 2025

Share this article

Melbourne Storm are strong favourites vs Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park.
Broncos take on Panthers, but Penrith have a dominant record at Suncorp.
Predictions point to a Storm v Panthers Grand Final, but upsets remain possible.

NRL Preliminary Finals 2025 Predictions

NRL Prelim Finals 2025 Preview – Storm v Sharks & Broncos v Panthers

It’s Preliminary Finals weekend in the NRL and two huge clashes will decide who heads to the 2025 Grand Final. Melbourne Storm face Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park, while Brisbane Broncos meet the defending premiers Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.

NRL Prelim Finals 2025 Preview – Storm v Sharks & Broncos v Panthers
Storm v Sharks – Can Cronulla Break the Amy Park Fortress?
Broncos v Panthers – A Grand Final Early?
The Verdict

Storm v Sharks – Can Cronulla Break the AAMI Park Fortress?

Melbourne are back in familiar territory, another prelim at home. Since 2021, the Storm have gone 45–9 at AAMI Park, making it one of the toughest trips in the league. Seven of their last eight clashes with Cronulla in Melbourne have gone the Storm’s way, and Craig Bellamy’s men know how to lock down defensively when it matters most.

Cronulla, though, are riding momentum. After eliminating the Raiders, Braden Trindle’s kicking game (683 kick metres v Canberra) has added balance alongside Nico Hynes. If the Sharks can repeat that and win early field position, they may unsettle Melbourne. But with Harry Grant’s ruck speed, Cameron Munster’s unpredictability, and Xavier Coates’ aerial dominance, the Storm remain heavy favourites to reach another decider.

Melbourne StormTo WinBET HERE

The dabble.com.au referral code is BETSAU. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Broncos v Panthers – A Grand Final Early?

This clash could easily be the Grand Final itself. Brisbane want revenge after their 2023 heartbreak, but the stats are brutal: Penrith have beaten the Broncos in their last six meetings at Suncorp.

Nathan Cleary remains the difference-maker. While he can go quiet at times, he consistently delivers match-turning moments, whether it’s a 40/20, a line-break assist or clutch kicking. Around him, Paul Alamoti’s breakout form (227 metres, 2 tries last week) and Brian To’o’s consistency give the Panthers devastating strike power.

For Brisbane, the key is unpredictability. Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam need to break structure and test Penrith early. Falling behind against this Panthers unit is almost always fatal.

Penrith PanthersTo WinBET HERE

18+ only. Ts and Cs apply. Think ! About your choices. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit the website. All bets accepted on behalf of Playup Pty Ltd Licensed in Northern Territory, Australia by NT Racing Commission. www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

The Verdict

Both games are loaded with storylines. Expect Melbourne’s finals discipline to edge out Cronulla at home, while Penrith’s class and experience should again prove too much for Brisbane. A Storm v Panthers Grand Final looms, but finals footy has a way of surprising us.

👉 For full betting previews and NRL Finals Cheat Sheets, head to bets.com.au/nrl.