<p>As expected, the opening week of the 2024 NRL Finals did not disappoint. Footy fans were treated to four very different games.</p> <p>There were controlled and composed clinics from heavyweights and obvious premiership favourites Penrith and Melbourne, while the final two games of the weekend were stone cold thrillers.</p> <p>Now that the dust has settled, we must bid farewell to both Newcastle and Canterbury for 2024.</p> <p>We won’t be seeing the Storm of Panthers this week either, but don’t worry they’ll be back for the Prelims, after earning a well-deserved week off here.</p> <p>That means we’ll be seeing the Sharks vs Cowboys and the Roosters vs Sea Eagles in the NRL Semi-finals.</p> <p>From here on out all the remaining games of the NRL finals are do-or-die and are not to be missed. For the latest NRL Semi-finals news, analysis, odds and more, check out our NRL tips and predictions for Week 2 of the finals below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 20, 7:50pm AEST – Allianz Stadium</strong></em></p>

<p>First up this week we’ve got this cracker between the Cronulla Sharks and the North Queensland Cowboys.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the Sharks they ran into finals specialists the Storm last week and were condemned to this do-or-die game thanks to a 37-10 masterclass.</p> <p>It was game on at halftime, with Cronulla heading to the sheds trailing by just four points. Unfortunately, the second stanza was not as kind to the men from the Shire, as Melbourne ran in 23 unanswered points, largely thanks to a stunning Harry Grant hat-trick.</p> <p>Meanwhile up North, the Cowboys won through to this one as expected, but it was nowhere near as comfortable as most had anticipated. Pregame talk of 13+ quickly went out the window, when it became apparent North Queensland were in a war, as Newcastle had come to Townsville to play.</p> <p>They got it done in the end but will now have to travel to Sydney somewhat beaten and bruised.</p> <p>Speaking of finals involving these sides, who can forget the epic elimination final these two played back in 2022?</p> <p>Former Shark Valentine Holmes was the hero that day, drilling an outrageous two-point field goal after 12 minutes of golden point to seal a 32-30 victory.</p> <p>He’s good value to star again here, but we are backing the result to be a little different. We like Cronulla to be on the right side of a thriller this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Cronulla Sharks.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Valentine Holmes opening try scorer.</p>

<h2>Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 21, 7:50pm AEST – Allianz Stadium</strong></em></p>

<p>“I can’t believe they’ve won this game” boomed Andrew Johns at full-time of Manly’s epic win over Canterbury on Sunday.</p> <p>Trailing 22-12 late in the game, the Sea Eagles showed their spirit to launch a sensational comeback with their season on the line.</p> <p>It wasn’t just the eighth immortal who couldn’t believe it, spectators in the stadium and even Manly’s own coaching staff watched on in shock.</p> <p>A number of Manly’s players rose to the occasion such as much maligned half Luke Brooks, who shone in his finals debut. He controlled the game well and set up his skipper for a crucial try with a gorgeous trick play.</p> <p>Now that he’s finally had his first taste of finals footy after nearly a decade in the NRL, we imagine he’ll be doing everything in his power to ensure his maiden voyage doesn’t end this week.</p> <p>A clearly wounded Tommy Turbo also put in a hell of a shift, although his busted shoulder is now public knowledge, and he could be in for a rough ride against the Chooks who will surely target him.</p> <p>Speaking of the Chooks, their game against Penrith couldn’t have started any worse and the contest was a wrap well before the half-time siren had even sounded.</p> <p>There’s no doubt their confidence will have taken a massive hit, but can they shake themselves off and get up for this one?</p> <p>It appears the Roosters' untimely injuries could very well cost them a proper run at the title and the way Manly ended their game against the Bulldogs, if they carry that momentum into this one, we simply must side with them. The start here is crucial.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Manly Sea Eagles.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM – Luke Brooks &amp; James Tedesco anytime try scorers.</p>

<h2>NRL 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>