NRL Finals 2018: Top eight locked in for big finals series

BRISBANE have thumped the Sea Eagles to lock up a semi-final at Suncorp Stadium - check out the full schedule, including kick-off times and venues for the opening round of the NRL finals.

The 2018 NRL finals are almost here.

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BRISBANE will take on St George Illawarra in the first week of the NRL finals after locking up sixth spot with a 48-16 win over Manly.

In a thrilling finish to the tightest competition on record, the Broncos on Sunday finished equal with Penrith on both 32 points and a +56 differential. However, the Panthers grabbed fifth spot thanks to their superior defence, meaning they’ll play the eighth-placed Warriors in Sydney.

Despite missing out on sneaking into fifth, the Broncos were still good enough to secure a home final and will host the Red V next Sunday.

Cronulla, who on Sunday defeated Canterbury 30-18 to confirm fourth spot, will clash with minor premiers the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.

Melbourne slipped out of first spot after their defeat to the Panthers but will host a resurgent South Sydney on Friday night.

WEEK ONE NRL FINALS SCHEDULE:

Qualifying Final: 7.40pm Friday, September 7 at AAMI Park

(2) Melbourne Storm v (3) South Sydney Rabbitohs

Elimination Final: 5.30pm Saturday, September 8, at ANZ Stadium

(5) Penrith Panthers v (8) New Zealand Warriors

Qualifying Final: 7.40pm Saturday, September 8 at Allianz Stadium

(1) Sydney Roosters v (4) Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Elimination Final 4pm: Sunday, September 9 at Suncorp Stadium

(6) Brisbane Broncos v (7) St George-Illawarra Dragons

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Originally published as NRL Finals 2018: Top eight locked in for big finals series