GET READY FOR FINALS WEEK 1 - All You Need to Know Before Kick-off

Now that we’re into the finals series, we’re going to do things a little differently! The BettingTop10 team breaks down the biggest news stories hitting each of the eight clubs left in the finals race. Which teams are genuine contenders and who is simply making up the numbers? All will be revealed soon.

A big win over the Wests Tigers last time out means the Penrith Panthers have yet another Minor Premiership under their belt (their fourth in seven seasons). They are now looking to win their fifth Premiership in six seasons, and remain Premiership favourites in NRL betting odds.

Most importantly, though, it looks like Isaah Yeo will be fit after playing some of the game against the Tigers last time out. Mitch Kenny also made a successful return from injury, and we could see both Scott Sorensen and Paul Alamoti available.

I don’t think the New Zealand Warriors will be too concerned they didn’t get the Minor Premiership. As long as they finished in the top two, they would get home games up until the big dance.

Several stars could be making their way back from injury in this game. Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima are the most likely, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak a roughie to return once again in front of their home fans.

The Dolphins have made their first-ever finals series! Their prize? A trip to New Zealand! Probably not the best prize considering the Warriors are 10-2 at home. But it does mean they get a second bite at the cherry if they need it.

It looks like they are getting back to virtually full strength at the right time as well, with the likes of both Selwyn Cobbo and Kodi Nikorima set to return. It’ll be interesting to see how the Dolphins play, as they’ve never experienced the pressure of a finals clash.

While we do see some stars come back into the fold for the Sydney Roosters, all eyes remain on Sam Walker. Walker underwent surgery recently, and we could see him as soon as the Preliminary Finals (if the Roosters make it that far).

The Roosters are another side that gets two bites at the cherry, thanks to finishing in the top four, but they’re up against the Panthers in Week 1. Interestingly enough, the Roosters beat the Panthers back only a few weeks ago. Can they upset the Minor Premiers again?

The Cronulla Sharks won’t be playing at Ocean Protect Stadium, despite requests from the club. Instead, the Elimination Final between the Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys will be played at Allianz Stadium.

While they don’t get the venue they want, they’ll be very happy to have Braydon Trindall back. The leading try-assist provider dislocated his shoulder a few weeks ago, and the Sharks have looked a little lost ever since.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are coming into this one in form, and will certainly be playing this finals series in honour of Jai Arrow. While they have locked in a home Elimination Final, things just got a little more difficult.

Euan Aitken fractured his scapula and has been officially ruled out for the rest of the season. In a particularly cruel twist, Aitken was gearing up to play his first finals match in over a decade. We do, however, see Tallis Duncan return from his hamstring injury.

Things are looking a little thin for the Newcastle Knights’ forwards department. Jacob Saifiti isn’t available for this clash due to suspension, and Trey Mooney has suffered a fractured scapula. Francis Manuleleua is another who’s racing against the injury clock.

However, in some better news, we could see Phoenix Crossland return after knee surgery. Also, let’s not forget where the Knights finished last season: with the wooden spoon. From spooners to the finals, that’s a pretty good rise in stocks!

The North Queensland Cowboys haven’t really been lighting things up as of late. Plus, their co-captain, Reuben Cotter, could be facing suspension after a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge from Round 27.

He heads to the judiciary on Tuesday, and Cotter has pleaded not guilty. If he is unsuccessful, he faces a two-match ban, as opposed to a one-match ban if he had pleaded guilty. Watch this space as Cotter will be sorely missed if he is charged.