2024 NRL finals preview – week 2
It’s all knockout footy from now on! Two teams will see their seasons finish this weekend, while the other two will go through to the penultimate week of the year to face the Panthers and the Storm.
Two cracking games are in store in week two, so let’s take a closer look at them.
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday 20th September
What happened in week one?
The Sharks were stuffed 37-10 down in Melbourne, but thanks to their fourth-placed finish in the regular season, they live to fight another day in the finals.
Cronulla more than matched the minor premiers in the first half last week, and only trailed 14-10 at the interval. The Storm were let off the leash in the second half though, as a Harry Grant hat-trick and one for Will Warbrick saw them to a comfortable win.
As for the Cowboys, they came through a tough battle with the Knights, to prevail 28-16 in Townsville. The scoreline was a little flattering for the Cowboys, as the game was locked up at 16-16 going into the final eight minutes, and with Golden Point on the horizon.
A Reuben Cotter try did the damage though, and Tom Dearden broke Newcastle’s hearts in the 78th minute to seal the Cowboys’ passage to week two.
Cronulla Sharks team news
The Sharks have named the same 17 that lost to Melbourne last weekend. Centre Jesse Ramien is on the extended bench as he hopes to make a comeback from an ankle injury, while Braden Hamlin-Uele is named as 18th man.
North Queensland Cowboys team news
The Cowboys are also unchanged from week one of the finals, although Jaxon Purdue has been named as 18th man instead of Thomas Mikaele. Mikaele remains part of the extended bench alongside Chad Townsend, Braidon Burns and Tom Chester.
Our prediction – Cronulla Sharks 24-20 North Queensland Cowboys
I think the Cowboys’ race will be run this weekend. This should be a tight game and the Queenslanders will push the hosts all the way, but I can just see Cronulla having too much for them.
Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday 21st September
What happened in week one?
The Roosters were blown away by a devastating first half performance from the Panthers in week one. The reigning premiers ran in four tries to take a 24-0 lead into the break, and despite a gutsy second half effort from the Chooks, they were never going to overturn the advantage.
Joseph Sua’ali’i and James Tedesco scored early in the second half to give them hope, but that was as good as it got. Luke Garner’s second try of the game for Penrith added some gloss to the scoreline, which ended up being 30-10.
As for Manly, they overcame the Bulldogs in a thriller at Accor Stadium to book their place in week two. Canterbury twice held a 10-point advantage and looked to be heading through, but the Sea Eagles showed a tremendous never-say-die spirit to get over the line.
Daley Cherry-Evans’ well-worked try from a scrum play brought Manly within six points, before Tolutau Koula scored one of the great finals tries with a solo effort on 71 minutes to bring Manly level. Reuben Garrick’s conversion – his fourth from four – edged them two points in front, and despite a couple of two-point field goal attempts from Matt Burton to bring the Bulldogs level, the Sea Eagles held on to win.
Sydney Roosters team news
The big news for the Roosters is the return of prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from a three-game suspension. He replaces Nat Butcher in the starting side, who returns to the bench. In more good news for the Chooks, Victor Radley has been named on the extended bench. He suffered a fractured scapula in round 26 against the Raiders, and there were fears his season was over, so his inclusion is a welcome boost.
Manly Sea Eagles team news
Manly’s 17 is unchanged from last weekend. There were hopes that Jason Saab might be ready to return after an ankle injury, but he’s not quite made it.
Our prediction – Sydney Roosters 26-14 Manly Sea Eagles
I can’t see past the Roosters in this one, but I’m expecting Manly to push them most of the way. The Chooks will be determined to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy defeat against the Panthers, and the return of JWH is a huge boost. Manly will put up a fight, but the Roosters will have too much for them.
