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:

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. William Warbrick

3. Jack Howarth

4. Nick Meaney

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Harry Grant

10. Josh King

11. Ativalu Lisati

12. Eliesa Katoa

13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Shawn Blore

16. Tui Kamikamica

17. Alec MacDonald

18. Bronson Garlick

19. Grant Anderson

20. Joe Chan

21. Jonah Pezet

22. 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:

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Briton Nikora

15. Siosifa Talakai

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

18. Daniel Atkinson

19. Mawene Hiroti

20. Jayden Berrell

21. Tuku Hau Tapuha

22. 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:

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ben Hunt

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Corey Jensen

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Tyson Smoothy

14. Ezra Mam

15. Kobe Hetherington

16. Xavier Willison

17. Ben Talty

18. Jesse Arthars

19. Jack Gosiewski

20. Selwyn Cobbo

21. Jaiyden Hunt

22. 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:

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Paul Alamoti

3. Izack Tago

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Brad Schneider

15. Liam Henry

16. Isaiah Papali’i

17. Luke Garner

18. Daine Laurie

19. Matt Eisenhuth

20. Thomas Jenkins

21. Mavrik Geyer

22. 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.