Make-or-break finals loom early for NRL’s top four
Scott Bailey and Melissa Woods |
The NRL’s top four are facing the most crucial opening round of finals in memory, with travel and the threat of teams below them making this a season-defining weekend.
Friday night’s blockbuster between Melbourne and Canterbury will kick off a vital week one, before minor premiers Canberra and Brisbane close it out on Sunday.
Qualifying finals loom as important every season, with 11 of 13 premiers having won their opening game since the introduction of the current system.
But in 2025 matches between top-four teams shape as even more decisive
The fact the top four sides come from four different states and territories means travel will be a significant factor in finals, with the possibility of interstate travel for away teams for every game beyond this week.
The threat of four-time defending premiers Penrith in the bottom half of the eight, alongside the dangerous Cronulla and Sydney Roosters, also makes winning crucial.
For instance, the winner of Friday night’s clash between Melbourne and Canterbury will enjoy a week off before a home preliminary final against an interstate side.
But the loser would have to face Penrith or the Warriors in week two, before travelling to Canberra or Brisbane in week three for a grand-final qualifier.
The other side of the draw appears equally difficult, with the loser of Canberra-Brisbane facing a tough run to the grand final with week-three travel.
“It’s why you strive so hard to reach the top four, to give yourself this opportunity,” Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said.
“We deserve to be there, we deserve to finish the season in third to give ourselves a shot at going through to a prelim.
“But again we’re just going to take it one set at a time, one play at a time, and if we can do that then we’ll give ourselves a chance there at the end of the game.”
Home teams have won 33 of 50 finals in the past decade when their opponents have had to travel away from their own city.
That record is even more significant considering Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane have a combined 19-5 record in home finals since 2015.
Melbourne also have a 9-2 record at AAMI Park this year, Canberra 10-1 at GIO Stadium, Canterbury 8-3 at Accor and Brisbane 10-4 at Suncorp.
Wins this weekend would mean they play at those grounds in week three, and in the case of Canterbury would not have to leave home again this year.
“It’s always nice to play at home,” Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said.
“There’s no hiding from that fact, and I’d be lying if I said that’s not the case.
“We’re fortunate we’re playing at home this weekend, and hopefully we can make the best of it.”
ROAD TO THE NRL GRAND FINAL
WEEK ONE:
QF 1: Canberra v Brisbane
QF 2: Melbourne v Canterbury
EF 1: Warriors v Penrith
EF 2: Cronulla v Sydney Roosters
WEEK TWO:
SF 1: Loser QF 1 v Winner EF 2
SF 2: Loser QF 2 v Winner EF 1
WEEK THREE
PF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner SF 2
PF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner SF 1
GRAND FINAL
Winner PF 1 v Winner PF 2
AAP
