NRL preliminary finals burning questions: Dean Ritchie predicts which teams will make grand final

Pressure can do crazy things and a number of teams – and players – are most susceptible heading into NRL preliminary finals, writes DEAN RITCHIE.

Jahrome Hughes (calf) remains in doubt for Melbourne. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Can Penrith handle the pressure?

Does Shaun Johnson have what it takes?

Dean Ritchie answers the big questions ahead of the NRL preliminary finals.

Preliminary final: Panthers v Storm

Friday, 7.50pm, Accor Stadium

Burning question 1: Does Melbourne have the X-factor to win?

Melbourne thrive on the grind but lack that explosive X-factor. The Storm will need Harry Grant to provide some creative spark out of dummy half. Rolling into an arm wrestle, or going one-out, against Penrith could be fatal.

Melbourne was kept to zero against Brisbane in week one of the finals and scored three tries, one from a late kick, against a depleted Roosters side last weekend. Does Penrith have a psychological hold over Melbourne this season?

In round 18, Melbourne led 12-0 before being hammered 34-16, the Panthers posting six unanswered tries. Penrith backed that up with a 26-6 win five weeks later.

Harry Grant needs another big game for the Storm to have any hope against Penrith. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Burning question 2: How will Penrith cope under heavy pressure and expectation?

Penrith should win and win well. The Panthers have shown they can handle expectation but sudden-death can make players nervous and anxious.

From the outset of this season, most tipped Penrith to win the grand final. It’s been a ‘given’. But for the first time all season, it’s do-or-die.

One slip and it’s over. Pressure can be a burden when things don’t go your way. Nathan Cleary has a calming influence over this team but even the best can get rattled when plans start to disintegrate.

Nathan Cleary and his Panthers are expected to beat Melbourne comfortably. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Team news: Jarome Luai (shoulder) will have to get through a week of training before being declared fit but is confident of playing. However, Izack Tago (pectoral) has been “ruled out” according to teammate Brian To’o.

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes (calf) remains in doubt while winger Xavier Coates (ankle) is rated unlikely to play. Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen won’t play again this year through a fractured ankle. Tui Kamikamica was sent for an HIA but should play.

VERDICT: Panthers by 10

Preliminary final: Broncos v Warriors

Saturday, 7.50pm, Suncorp StadiumS

Burning question 1: Can the Warriors out-muscle Brisbane?

The Warriors can only beat Brisbane by playing with a fierce physicality. Reece Walsh is the man they must target and bowl over. Brash and bold, can Brisbane knuckle down in a grinding finals arm wrestle?

No doubt Brisbane have the glitz and glamour, a team full of rock stars, but rival clubs openly question whether they have the resolve and hardheads to win under suffocating finals pressure. Can they cope mentally when things don’t go their way?

Brisbane has been building towards this moment for several years but many ask whether they are still a year too early to genuinely challenge for the title. Brisbane’s on-field chemistry this season has been remarkable.

The Warriors need to go after Reece Walsh. Picture: Josh Woning

Burning question 2: Can Shaun Johnson avoid being hit again?

Brisbane will need to put Johnson on his backside. Newcastle refused to bowl over the champion halfback, who is carrying a calf injury, even when he dug deep into the line. Johnson played, as they say, in a dinner suit.

He avoided being pressured and hustled. Brisbane, you would suspect, won’t be so kind. Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler will have a target on Johnson.

Rest assured, Johnson will find himself on the deck. The Warriors have nothing to lose. They will be universally dismissed but that’s when an underdog can be most dangerous.

Team news: Warriors forward Marata Niukore limped off midway through the first half but returned late in the game. Teammate Josh Curran sustained a badly dislocated finger but should be fit to play. Luke Metcalf has a hamstring injury and won’t be considered. Fresh after a week off, Brisbane should be at full strength.

VERDICT: Broncos by 12

Originally published as NRL preliminary finals burning questions: Dean Ritchie predicts which teams will make grand final