The NRL Telstra Premiership is reaching its climactic stage, with the preliminary finals set to kick off this Friday night. Four sides remain in contention for a spot in the grand final, and each has unveiled their team lists, signaling strategies, player comebacks, and tactical gambles that could decide who will advance to the ultimate showdown.
Michael Maguire’s Brisbane Broncos have made a bold call by placing a returning playmaker on the bench, while the Melbourne Storm have received a massive boost with multiple stars returning from injury. These selections underline the intensity and unpredictability that defines finals football in the NRL.
Fans can catch every game of the finals series live on Kayo Sports, with no ad-breaks during play. New subscribers can even join now and get their first month for just $1, ensuring full access to the high-stakes action leading up to the Grand Final.
WEEK 3 – PRELIMINARY FINALS – SEPTEMBER 26-28
Friday, September 26 – Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks (AMMI Park, 7:50pm AEST)
Storm team:
Ryan Papenhuyzen
William Warbrick
Jack Howarth
Nick Meaney
Xavier Coates
Cameron Munster
Jahrome Hughes
Stefano Utoikamanu
Harry Grant
Josh King
Ativalu Lisati
Eliesa Katoa
Trent Loiero
Tyran Wishart
Shawn Blore
Tui Kamikamica
Alec MacDonald
Bronson Garlick
Grant Anderson
Joe Chan
Jonah Pezet
Sualauvi Faalogo
Analysis:
The Storm have been handed a significant lift with the returns of Jahrome Hughes (fractured forearm), Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion), and Shawn Blore (fractured larynx). Hughes’ return pushes Jonah Pezet out of the 17-man squad despite his standout performance in Week 1, when he played a pivotal role in defeating the Bulldogs. Shawn Blore is named on the bench, Ativalu Lisati slots into the starting lineup, and Joe Chan misses out of the top 17. Papenhuyzen’s inclusion has prompted Nick Meaney to move to the centers, while Grant Anderson has been the unfortunate omission in a brutal selection call.
Sharks team:
William Kennedy
Sione Katoa
Jesse Ramien
KL Iro
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Braydon Trindall
Nicho Hynes
Addin Fonua-Blake
Blayke Brailey
Toby Rudolf
Billy Burns
Teig Wilton
Jesse Colquhoun
Briton Nikora
Siosifa Talakai
Oregon Kaufusi
Braden Hamlin-Uele
Daniel Atkinson
Mawene Hiroti
Jayden Berrell
Tuku Hau Tapuha
Hohepa Puru
Analysis:
The Sharks have made just one change to their squad. Tom Hazelton is sidelined with a head knock, allowing Oregon Kaufusi to return on the bench. Daniel Atkinson remains the 18th man, ready to step in if needed.
Sunday, September 28 – Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers (Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Broncos team:
Reece Walsh
Josiah Karapani
Kotoni Staggs
Gehamat Shibasaki
Deine Mariner
Ben Hunt
Adam Reynolds
Corey Jensen
Cory Paix
Payne Haas
Brendan Piakura
Jordan Riki
Tyson Smoothy
Ezra Mam
Kobe Hetherington
Xavier Willison
Ben Talty
Jesse Arthars
Jack Gosiewski
Selwyn Cobbo
Jaiyden Hunt
Jock Madden
Analysis:
The Broncos’ lineup sees key returning players taking the field in crucial positions. Captain Adam Reynolds has been named at halfback after a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury. Ezra Mam also returns from a hamstring injury, joining the interchange. With Billy Walters sidelined by an ACL injury, Ben Hunt moves back to five-eighth after playing multiple games in alternate positions. Tyson Smoothy replaces suspended Pat Carrigan at lock, while Selwyn Cobbo earns a spot in the extended squad after returning from a hamstring injury in the Queensland Cup last weekend. These selections highlight the Broncos’ gamble on experience and form to push for a grand final berth.
Panthers team:
Dylan Edwards
Paul Alamoti
Izack Tago
Casey McLean
Brian To’o
Blaize Talagi
Nathan Cleary
Moses Leota
Mitch Kenny
Lindsay Smith
Scott Sorensen
Liam Martin
Isaah Yeo
Brad Schneider
Liam Henry
Isaiah Papali’i
Luke Garner
Daine Laurie
Matt Eisenhuth
Thomas Jenkins
Mavrik Geyer
Luke Sommerton
Analysis:
Penrith enters the preliminary final unchanged, aiming to reach their sixth consecutive grand final. Liam Martin (ribs) and Casey McLean (hip) are cleared to play, while hooker Mitch Kenny’s 58-minute return against the Bulldogs will provide confidence heading into this high-pressure match.
The preliminary finals set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the NRL season. The winner of the first preliminary final between Brisbane and Penrith will face the victor of Melbourne vs Cronulla in the grand final on Sunday, October 5, at 7:30pm at Accor Stadium. With teams fielding returning stars and fresh strategies, fans are in for an edge-of-the-seat finish as each side fights for supremacy and the ultimate prize in the Telstra Premiership.




