It's time for finals footy.
After 27 rounds of regular season action, we're left with eight teams.
And once this weekend concludes, just six will remain.
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Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Week 1 of the NRL Finals. All odds via TAB.
Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters prediction, tip, best bet
This year's finals series will open with a battle between 2nd and 3rd, with the Panthers hosting the Roosters on Friday night.
Nathan Cleary is set to return for Penrith in a major boost to the reigning premiers.
However, it's a different story in the Tricolours' casualty ward. Victor Radley is unavailable for this match, while Brandon Smith and Sam Walker have been ruled out for the season.
There is still an abundance of talent in the Roosters' line-up, but it's going to be challenging to head to Penrith without key members of their spine.
We're predicting the Panthers to step things up a gear – as they have done in September for the past few years – and pick up a nice win at home.
Prediction: Panthers by 14
Best bet: Panthers -7.5 ($1.85)
Melbourne Storm vs. Cronulla Sharks prediction, tip, best bet
Most teams' records in Melbourne are less than ideal, but Cronulla should come into this qualifying final with some confidence.
Of the last 10 matches between the teams at AAMI Park, the Sharks have won four of them.
Notably, Craig Fitzgibbon's side stunned the Storm 25-18 in the fixture earlier this year and will believe they can do it again.
While inconsistency cost Cronulla in the back half of the season, they can certainly match the top teams when at their best.
Melbourne, however, have a knack for winning matches, regardless of how 'well' they play.
Expect the Sharks to fight hard early through their physical forward pack, with the Storm edging it in the closing stages.
Prediction: Storm by 4
Best bet: Either team by 12 or less ($1.90)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle Knights prediction, tip, best bet
Both sides enter this elimination final riding three-match win streaks, so both will believe they can take it out.
The Cowboys ripped the Bulldogs apart last week, while the Knights were less than convincing over the Dolphins.
What may decide this match, though, is North Queensland's home ground advantage.
Newcastle haven't beaten their opponents away from home since 2015, let alone in a do-or-die finals match.
Keep your eyes on Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden, who rarely shies away when the lights are brightest.
Prediction: Cowboys by 10
Best bet: Tom Dearden to score a try ($2.60)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Manly Sea Eagles prediction, tip, best bet
The Bulldogs were riding a five-match win streak before conceding 30+ points in their last two matches before the finals.
To make things harder, they'll be without star winger Josh Addo-Carr, who has recently stood himself down.
They'll now have to turn things around against the Sea Eagles – a side they lost to in Round 26.
With the likes of Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans in their team, Manly have the experience required to win a high-stakes elimination clash.
However, they will also have to tidy up their defence, having shipped 40 points last week.
The Bulldogs are a talented and exciting team, but it's hard to look past a classy Sea Eagles outfit.
Prediction: Sea Eagles by 8
Best bet: Sea Eagles to win ($1.85)
