The preliminary finals are here, with two spots in the 2023 NRL grand final up for grabs.
On Friday night, the Penrith Panthers will host the Melbourne Storm in Sydney as the reigning champions look to reach yet another decider.
Then, on Saturday, the Brisbane Broncos will welcome the New Zealand Warriors to what will be a raucous and packed-out Suncorp Stadium.
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for the preliminary finals.
MORE: NRL team lists - Every side's confirmed lineup for preliminary finals
Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet
The Panthers are big favourites for this encounter, and deservedly so.
Penrith have been a class above all season and come into this clash fresh off an extra week of rest.
As for the Storm, they have been underwhelming this finals campaign but were able to push past the Roosters in their semi-final in clutch fashion.
The Panthers have won both of their fixtures against Melbourne in 2023 by double digits and it is hard to see how their opponents will close the gap on Friday.
Craig Bellamy will likely set his team up well and avoid a blowout, but Ivan Cleary's side has what it takes to secure a comfortable win.
BEST BET: Panthers -9.5 / Panthers to win both halves ($1.95)
Brisbane Broncos vs. New Zealand Warriors prediction, tip, best bet
Not many would have predicted a Broncos-Warriors preliminary final this season, but here we are.
While Brisbane come into this match as notable favourites, you simply cannot rule New Zealand out.
Yes, the Broncos will be rested and arguably have a more talented squad, but the 'Wahs' just keep surprising this season and are coming off a scinitalling semi-final win.
For this reason, we're opting against picking the result, but rather, backing a tryscorer.
The Broncos have scored 52 per cent of their tries on the right edge in 2023, while the Warriors have conceded the majority of tries — 39 per cent — on that same side (per Stats Insider).
This opens the door for rapid winger Selwyn Cobbo to pounce and bag yet another four-pointer.
BEST BET: Selwyn Cobbo anytime tryscorer ($1.72)
