The NRL 2023 finals series has arrived.
It kicks off on Friday night when the Brisbane Broncos look to break their losing streak against the Melbourne Storm.
The Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors will then contest the second qualifying final on Saturday before the Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters do battle in a do-or-die clash.
An elimination final between the red-hot Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders will wrap up what is expected to be an exciting slate of matches.
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Finals Week 1.
MORE: NRL team lists - Every side's confirmed lineup
Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm prediction, tip, best bet
The Broncos have scored 50 per cent of their tries this season on the right edge (per Stats Insider), with dynamic winger Selwyn Cobbo a huge factor.
The Maroons flier has scored 19 tries from 21 appearances this season and is primed to find the line again at Suncorp on Friday night.
As for the match result, it's hard to look past the Storm's stellar record against Brisbane, winning the last 14 encounters.
The Broncos have been the better side in 2023, but Craig Bellamy's team should be able to use their finals experience and composure to at least keep it close.
BEST BET: Selwyn Cobbo ATS/Storm +4.5 ($4.10)
Penrith Panthers vs. New Zealand Warriors prediction, tip, best bet
Following the news of star Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson's injury, the Panthers are even stronger favourites for this qualifying final.
While Penrith will likely emerge victorious from this clash, New Zealand are more than capable of avoiding a blowout.
We expect the first half to be a tough, physical battle with both forward packs attempting to wear each other down.
The game should then open up more in the second stanza as the clinical Panthers do enough to lock their spot in the preliminary finals.
BEST BET: Highest scoring half - second half ($1.83)
Cronulla Sharks vs. Sydney Roosters prediction, tip, best bet
Cronulla will enjoy a home ground advantage on Saturday, playing in front of a packed-out Shark Park.
The question is whether last year's finals loss to the Cowboys at the same venue will be in the back of their minds.
Craig Fitzgibbon's side are notoriously slow-starters, so will need to be on it early against the Tricolours.
Finals footy is often about momentum, and the Roosters are hitting their straps at the right time.
BEST BET: Roosters +1.5 ($1.80)
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders prediction, tip, best bet
The Knights have won nine games in a row, making them the NRL's most in-form team.
Can they make it 10 on the trot against an undermanned Raiders side? Most likely.
We're also predicting them to take full advantage of playing in Newcastle at a stadium where they typically rack up the points.
Canberra's decimated forward pack will leave them vulnerable to a big scoreline, with fatigue set to play a major factor against the relentless Knights.
BEST BET: Knights -13.5 ($1.90)
