NRL 2024 finals form guide: Every club’s casualty ward, X-factor and week 1 predictions

The NRL finals are locked and loaded for 2024. DEAN RITCHIE runs the rule over every week 1 match-up and watch the exclusive chat with Roosters skipper James Tedesco.

The NRL regular season has been run and done, with eight teams locking in their week one finals opponents.

DEAN RITCHIE runs the rule over each side, putting their casualty ward, form and most important players under the microscope.

QUALIFYING FINAL: PANTHERS VS ROOSTERS

Over to you, Nathan. Penrith look tired and clunky, so the challenge sits large for a returning Nathan Cleary to reinvigorate his spluttering side.

The Panthers finished top two for a fifth successive season, but there are clear signs that Penrith has fallen back to the chasing pack.

This would have been a premium battle a month ago, but both these sides are struggling for different reasons.

The Roosters are facing a finals series without Sam Walker, Victor Radley and Brandon Smith, but don’t dismiss their chances (hear from skipper James Tedesco in the video above). Even when depleted, the Chooks will field a stronger side than 90 per cent of the competition.

Prediction: Panthers by 2 points

QUALIFYING FINAL: STORM VS SHARKS

While other teams stagnate, Melbourne is surging. The Storm has some weaknesses but the club’s spine is looking fresh and ruthless.

Cam Munster has settled back in after injury, while Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes (pictured) are peerless. Is there a halfback in better form than Hughes?

The Sharks will travel to Melbourne full of hope after a convincing win over Manly at Brookvale.

Cronulla looks ready for the finals.

Prediction: Melbourne by 10 points

ELIMINATION FINAL: BULLDOGS VS SEA EAGLES

Manly crashed and burned at home under pressure against Cronulla in a horrible setback to their premiership chances.

With a home final on offer, the Sea Eagles started well but fell away badly and must now travel to a hostile Accor Stadium.

Can Canterbury tighten up its defence in time for the finals? The Bulldogs boasted the best defence in the NRL until colliding with Manly and North Queensland over the past two rounds. The Sea Eagles and Cowboys put a combined total of 78 points on Canterbury, leaving their much vaunted defensive reputation in tatters.

And it’s clear where rival teams are now attacking the Dogs – straight through the middle.

Prediction: Manly by 4 points

ELIMINATION FINAL: COWBOYS VS KNIGHTS

Talk about making a statement.

North Queensland’s 44-6 win over Canterbury on Saturday certainly attracted some limelight and attention.

The Cowboys are brilliantly well-balanced and a side others would fear meeting in the finals, and playing an elimination final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville will make them near impossible to beat.

But with Kalyn Ponga in its side, Newcastle will always fancy its chances. Is Ponga rugby league’s most gifted player? Newcastle pushed into the NRL finals by winning four of its last five matches.

Prediction: Cowboys by 10 points

Originally published as NRL 2024 finals form guide: Every club’s casualty ward, X-factor and week 1 predictions