NRL preliminary finals 2023: Expert tips, predictions for Panthers vs Storm, Broncos vs Warriors

Will the Panthers qualify for their fourth-straight grand final or can the Storm side spoil the party? Can the Broncos end the ‘Wahs’ revolution? See our experts’ preliminary final predictions.

Jarome Luai has been cleared to return for Penrith’s preliminary final clash with Melbourne. Picture: Jake Hunter

Will the Panthers qualify for their fourth-straight grand final appearance or can the injury ravaged Storm side spoil the party? Can the Broncos end the ‘Wahs’ revolution or will the Warriors produce a stunning upset?

Our experts break down the key burning issue for both matches, and reveal who will be moving on to the 2023 grand final.

NRL Preliminary finals 2023 expert predictions.

DAVID RICCIO

Panthers by 14

We’re talking about an era of dominance for Penrith that happens every 30-years. They are so clinical and give you nothing. Also, the Storm weren’t impressive in beating a Roosters side that were there to be dominated.

Burning issue: Winning is obviously the priority, but the Panthers must get through this game without any further injuries or suspension concerns ahead of another grand final.

Broncos by 1

Brisbane are deserved favourites, but a Warriors upset wouldn’t shock me. The worst thing Brisbane can do is give the Warriors chunks of possession. They will score and when they do, they usually score in bunches.

Burning issue: Ezra Mam’s defence on the tryline. He will need to make at least four try-saving tackles on Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who will be lining Mam up close to the line.

PHIL ROTHFIELD

Panthers by 8

Too strong in the middles via James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Spencer Leniu. Storm’s forwards have lacked punch in recent weeks.

Burning issue: Jarome Luai’s shoulder and the obvious doubts around his defence.

Broncos by 6

Best middle forward combination in the game with Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Tom Flegler. Backline match-winners in Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnsworth.

Burning issue: Who wins the battle of the halves between too champion old playmakers Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson.

TRAVIS MEYN

Panthers by 14

Everyone seems to have forgotten how good the Panthers are given they’ve had a week off while Melbourne is running on fumes and done well to get this far in the competition.

Burning issue: Is Jarome Luai fit enough to be playing a preliminary final against a team like the Storm, who will undoubtedly target him? If he comes unstuck it could hurt the Panthers.

Broncos by 12

This Broncos team is running high on confidence and were clinical in their first week domination of the Storm. The Warriors have had a great season but played their grand final last week.

Burning issue: Has Shaun Johnson got one final trick left in his bag to take the Warriors to the decider? He will have to produce something special to unsettle the Broncos.

MICHAEL CARAYANNIS

Panthers by 4

Too classy. Their forward pack will overpower the Storm’s middle which will give their brilliant attacking players room to move.

Burning issue: Will Luai’s shoulder hold up? The Panthers five-eighth will play but his arm remains a ticking time bomb and he will come under heavy scrutiny from the Storm.

Broncos by 10

Too many points for the Broncos. The speed of their players could expose the Warriors in the middle of the field.

Burning issue: Addin Fonua-Blake is pushing Payne Haas for the right to be the best prop in the game. They get a chance to go head to head in a battle which could decide the match.

PETER BADEL

Panthers by 12

Penrith’s defence is too good and Nathan Cleary will turn the screws.

Burning issue: Harry Grant is the X-factor who must run at all costs to test Penrith around the rucks.

Broncos by 4

Brisbane’s tryline desperation will be decisive with Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam to step up in attack.

Burning issue: If Addin Fonua-Blake gets the better of Payne Haas, a Warriors ambush is on the cards.

PAMELA WHALEY

Panthers by 10

It’s been the safest assumption of the past few years that if Penrith play a game, they’ll win it.

Burning issue: Melbourne have had a patchy finals series and they need to put in their best performance of the year to get close to the Panthers.

Broncos by 12

The Broncos will be well-rested and full-strength and after a season of winning, will know how to get the job done.

Burning issue: Two star halves, two aggressive forward packs. Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson will cop some heat but the player who handles it better will win.

BRENT READ

Storm by 2

Cameron Munster is due to explode. The time has come and he will dominate

Burning issue: Jarome Luai has made a stunning return from a dislocated shoulder to take his place against Melbourne. Can the Storm find a way to exploit him?

Broncos by 22

The Broncos have been in blistering form and they will be fired to victory by a sold-out crowd at The Cauldron

Burning issue: It has been more than 15 years since the Broncos won a premiership. It feels like the time is now but can the Broncos handle the pressure.

DEAN RITCHIE

Panthers by 12

Well organised, well coached, well prepared … four straight grand finals, well played.

Burning issue: Will Jarome Luai stand up to the heavy collision which will be directed at his vulnerable left shoulder

Broncos by 12

Have a feeling the Warriors played their grand final last week at home. A glorious season is about to end.

Burning issue: How will Brisbane’s brash young side handle the pressure of playing at home in a sudden death final?

FATIMA KDOUH

Panthers by 10

The Panthers will have the luxury of a full-strength outfit, which should be too strong for Melbourne.

Burning issue: Jarome Luai’s shoulder. Will he be able to withstand an 80 minute battering at the hands of Melbourne’s big men?

Broncos by 12

Suncorp Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Broncos in September, winning eight of the past nine finals matches at the venue.

Burning issue: Pack battle. The forward pack able to get the upper hand will set the tone for this match. The Payne Haas v Addin Fonua Blake showdown should deliver fireworks.

PAUL CRAWLEY

Panthers by 12

The team to beat for a reason. An absolute machine across the park with Nathan Cleary in phenomenal form.

Burning issue: If the Storm are to have any chance they need the big three of Munster, Grant and Hughes to deliver. But that has to come on the back of a forward pack that also needs to aim up.

Broncos by 8

Were outstanding in their opening finals win when they absolutely blew the Storm off the park. Playing at home and the week off will have done them the world of good.

Burning issue: The showdown between the two veteran playmakers Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson and gun props Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake will be enormous. Whoever wins these head-to-head match up will win the game.

THE VERDICT:

Panthers 9, Storm 1

Broncos 10, Warriors 0

NRL FINALS LATE MAIL: CLEARY’S BIG CALL ON LUAI, TAGO

—Fatima Kdouh

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed five-eighth Jarome Luai and centre Izack Tago will take the field in a huge double boost for the back-to-back premiers.

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s preliminary showdown against Melbourne, Cleary said Luai had finally received the green light from medial staff on Thursday morning.

Luai hasn’t played since dislocating his shoulder back in round 26.

Both Luai and Tago were able to get through a 90-minute full contact session, which was the final hurdle for the duo, unscathed on Wednesday evening.

Tago was passed fit to return from a pectoral strain.

Jarome Luai has been cleared to return for Penrith’s preliminary final clash with Melbourne. Picture: Jake Hunter

Halfback Nathan Cleary will also take the field after sending an injury scare through Penrith’s camp on Monday morning.

Cleary was sent to hospital after dislocating a finger but scans cleared the No.7 of any serious injury.

“We’ve seen a lot of guys at this club do some pretty amazing things,” coach Cleary said.

“From the moment we got the information the medical staff were very confident (about Luai).

“He’s just put his head down, worked very hard and ticked every box every week.

“We just had to get to the game, which we’ve been able to do. It’s all systems go.”