NRL: Panthers out to make more history

Penrith Panthers are just one step away from yet another grand final as they attempt to win a fourth straight premiership.

Ivan Cleary’s men have dominated the NRL in recent seasons and it looks as though they will take some stopping once again.

They can be backed at 2.30 to go on and win the grand final, but first of all they have to get past Cronulla Sharks in the preliminary final.

The Sharks will be feeling better about themselves after breaking their finals hoodoo last week, but now they need to take their game to another level.

Penrith are the hot fancies to go through to the grand final, but upsets do happen and the Sharks will be giving it their all to pull off a big one.

A Melbourne Storm & Cronulla Sharks grand final can be backed at 5.50, while Sydney Roosters & Cronulla Sharks is available at 16.00.

. What: Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 19:50 (AEST), Saturday 28th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 9
. Odds: Penrith Panthers 1.21, Cronulla Sharks 4.50

Cleary fit and firing for Panthers

Nathan Cleary has returned to fitness at just the right time and has spoken of his determination to make up for lost time.

The influential playmaker has had a tough time on the injury front this season, but proved his fitness in the win over the Roosters and will be ready to fire.

Cleary is a player that rises to the occasion and the big moments, and can be backed at 3.25 to score a try at anytime.

The Panthers have won seven of the past eight games against the Sharks, and have won the last two 42-0 and 28-0.

They appear to be peaking at just the right time once again and can be backed at 1.91 to win by 13+ points.

Sharks out to cause upset

Cronulla have had a shocking record in finals in recent years, but after finally beating the Cowboys in the semi-final last week, now have the chance to kick on.

Beating Penrith at Accor will be a big ask, and they will need to produce their absolute best, but they do have the players to do it.

Nicho Hynes will be massive for the Sharks on a night when he will make his 100th NRL appearance.

His battle against Nathan Cleary could decide the game and Hynes will have to be at the very top of his game.

Braydon Trindall was outstanding in the win over the Cowboys, and the Sharks will need to same from him once again.

Trindall can be backed at 4.75 to grab a try at anytime.

The last time the two sides met in finals was back in 2018, with the Sharks winning a thriller 21-20.

Cronulla can be backed at 10.00 to win this one by 1-5 points and book their place in the grand final.