<p>Then there were four. The 2024 NRL Preliminary Finals are set with the Storm vs the Roosters and the Panthers vs Sharks taking place this weekend to determine who makes the big dance.</p> <p>After one of the most closely contested seasons in recent memory, we’re nearly there. For the Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks, 80 minutes of Preliminary Finals football stand between them and the NRL Grand Final.</p> <p>There are two clear favourites to advance to the big one, but is there an upset or potentially two on the cards this weekend? Let’s find out.</p> <p>For the latest NRL Preliminary Finals news, analysis, odds and more, check out our NRL tips and predictions for the Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks games below!&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 27, 7:50pm AEST – AAMI Park</strong></em></p>

<p>Pens at the read. Surely, we’re about to write another epic chapter into the book that is the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters’ recent rivalry.</p> <p>Such has been the sustained excellence of these two sides over the last decade plus, they refuse to serve up anything but stone cold classics.</p> <p>With a Grand Final spot on the line, things should be no different come Friday night.</p> <p>The Storm head into this one well rested and raring to go after a week off, thanks to their dominant win over Cronulla in week one of the finals.</p> <p>The Rooster on the other hand had to go the long way, but slick hands and slick feet from a number of their players last week saw them advance past Manly to this showdown in style.</p> <p>In skipper James Tedesco’s 250th NRL game, he and his side turned on the style to send the Sea Eagles packing in a contest that was filled with both brutal collusions and silky skills.</p> <p>Teddy grabbed two tries himself and will need a repeat performance from himself and his chargers if they are to upset a Storm side who possess some of the game’s biggest stars.</p> <p>Despite boasting the likes of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen in their ranks, the undisputed star of the Melbourne show this year has been halfback Jahrome Huges.</p> <p>The Kiwi international is seen by many and the Dally M Medallist in wait and it’s hard to argue after the season he’s had.</p> <p>Hughes has always had a knack for finding the line with his running game and his nine tries so far this year continues to prove that. However, it’s his creativity with the pill that has impressed most in 2024.</p> <p>To go along with his nine meat pies, Hughes has recorded 26 try and line break assists and 9 forced dropouts in just 21 appearances.</p> <p>He’s also broken the line himself on 19 occasions to prove his dynamic running game is still alive and well.</p> <p>Any success the Roosters are to have in this game will come from shutting down Hughes and limiting his impact. However, that is easier said than done.</p> <p>Some sides and players hit a vein of form that is so rich they become simply unplayable. For us, the Melbourne Storm and Jahrome Hughes have reached this level in 2024 and unfortunately for the Chooks, it appears all resistance is futile here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Melbourne Storm.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM – James Tedesco and Jahrome Hughes anytime try scorers.</p>

<h2>Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 28, 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium</strong></em></p>

<p>Speaking of those teams that have transcended “good form” and become nye unstoppable, ladies and gentlemen – the Penrith Panthers.</p> <p>What is there left to be said about this side? They are one win away from a fifth consecutive Grand Final appearance and two away from a fourth consecutive premiership.</p> <p>It’s fast becoming apparent, they are the greatest side the modern era has ever seen and if they do complete the mission and net four straight titles, they will begin to challenge the legendary St George side of the 50s and 60s for the crown of greatest of all time.</p> <p>Built on a production line that has turned local juniors into bona fide megastars, what they’ve managed to achieve in a salary capped league is nearing on unbelievable</p> <p>Local juniors such as Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, Dylan Edwards and Jarome Luai are the ones responsible and should all be set to star on Saturday.</p> <p>For all the praise and talk around Nathan Cleary, there is no denying in his final season for the club, Jarome Luai has been the Panther’s star who has shined the brightest this season.</p> <p>Off to the Tigers in ‘25, this game could be the Penrith junior’s final game at the foot of the mountains and after starring all season for club and state, don’t expect him to go quietly.</p> <p>Yes, Cronulla showed great resolve against the Cowboys last week to get here and ensure they didn’t become the first side in NRL history to lose eight straight finals matches. However, it would take one of the all-time great NRL ambushes if they were to get the chocolates here. An ambush we simply cannot see transpiring</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Penrith Panthers.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM - Big win, little win – Penrith 13+ and Jarome Luai anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>