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The five-time champions Penrith Panthers are one step away from another final as they face the Cronulla Sharks at the Accor Stadium in Sydney
START DATE/TIME: Saturday 28th September, 2024 - 10:50am / AUS - 7:50pm / US EST - 05:50am / US PST - 02:50am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK - This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports + / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League in Australia / This match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US
PENRITH PANTHERS FORM: CLEARY’S MEN AIMING TO MAKE IT TO FIFTH SUCCESSIVE FINAL
The Panthers, as they have done so often, are tuning up at just the right time and they come into this preliminary final as fresh and firm favourites. They come into this clash with the Sharks knowing they have nilled them in their last two matches, winning 70-0 combined between those two matches, and won their last four meetings overall.
LAST FIVE: WWWLL
CRONULLA SHARKS FORM: SHARKS AIMING TO UPSET THE ODDS IN SYDNEY
The Sharks are looking to reach their first Premiership Final since 2016 but they will have to overcome the mighty Penrith Panthers if they are to return to the showpiece match. The Sharks played extremely well in beating the Cowboys in the semis but they now have a tough assignment in beating a team that beat them 42-0 in the regular season.
LAST FIVE: WLWLW
PENRITH PANTHERS TEAM NEWS: OUTSIDE CHANCE SCOTT SORENSEN RETURNS FROM INJURY
Ivan Cleary has named back rower Scott Sorensen in his 22-man squad for this finals match but the chances of him returning are seemingly remote. If he is passed fit, then he should come into the side at the expense of Luke Garner and Matt Eisenhuth would likely be the one to drop to 18th man.
Squad: 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. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Trent Toelau 20. Scott Sorensen 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
CRONULLA SHARKS TEAM NEWS: UNCHANGED 17 FOR THE SHARKS
After beating the North Queensland Cowboys, the Sharks named an unchanged 17 for this clash with favourites Penrith Panthers. Jesse Ramien returned from injury in that match and came through it with no setbacks so he will be fit to take his place.
Squad: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 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 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Samuel Stonestreet
PENRITH PANTHERS VS CRONULLA SHARKS PREDICTION
The Panthers have dominated their matches against the Sharks in recent times and they will be confident of doing so once again. Cleary’s men look in great shape to make another run at the Premiership once again and assuming there is no complacency, they should be capable of easing to victory here. Expect the Panthers to make it to their fifth successive final and to win here by double digits.
PENRITH PANTHERS VS CRONULLA SHARKS TIP: PENRITH PANTHERS TO WIN BY -10.5