NRL finals: High-stakes elimination battles in Raiders-Sharks and Panthers-Bulldogs

The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos can enjoy the weekend off as they await their next opponents, while it’s do-or-die for four other teams. Here’s what you need to know.

Elimination final one: Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders

Location: Gio Stadium. Kick off: 9.50pm (NZ time), Saturday

Cronulla are riding high after toppling the Sydney Roosters, while Canberra are looking to rebound from the heartbreak of their 94-minute golden-point thriller against the Brisbane Broncos.

In their last meeting during round five, the Raiders edged out the Sharks 24-20. Ricky Stuart’s men will be out to replicate that result on home turf this weekend.

Sharks’ halfback Nicholas Hynes told reporters there wasn’t much separating the two teams in their previous outing.

“I think it was a really good game of footy and they scored right on the end… think we lost a little bit of detail in some areas of our game plan and our shape.

"We’re picking that up and doing a much better job in that area. If we keep the effort up like we did and add that little bit of detail, it will keep us in good stead to win the game,” Hynes says.

Canberra will field the same side that faced the Broncos, with in-form five-eighth Ethan Strange continuing his hot streak after scoring six tries in his last four outings.

The Raiders have won only one of their last five finals games, while the Sharks have secured just one victory in their last six games at GIO Stadium.

Canberra Raiders. Photo/Facebook

TEAMS:

Sharks - Backs: 1. William Kennedey 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicholas Hynes. Forwards: 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhuon. Interchange: 14. Briton 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Raiders - Backs: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty. Forwards: 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh. Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota.

Cronulla Sharks. Photo/Facebook

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Kick off: 6.05pm (NZ time), Sunday

The Bulldogs cannot afford any slip-ups after struggling against the Storm last week, a match that also saw skipper Stephen Crichton sidelined with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, a formidable Penrith outfit will be chasing yet another milestone this Sunday.

In their last meeting in round 26, the Bulldogs put on an impressive performance against Penrith, as the Panthers chose to rest 16 of their regular starters after securing a spot in the top eight.

Despite a strong showing on the wing, Thomas Jenkins has been named among the reserves as the 18th man. Due to injuries, Matt Burton will shift to the centres to replace Critchton, while Tigers convert Lachlan Galvin will don the No.6 jersey on Sunday.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has named the same 17 that won last week in Auckland, with prop Moses Leota set to make his 200th NRL appearance. Penrith have won 28 of their 48 meetings with the Bulldogs, but Canterbury head into Sunday’s clash boasting an eight-per-cent winning rate.

TEAMS

Panthers - Backs: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary. Forwards: 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Yeo. Interchange: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Luke Garner

Bulldogs - Backs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Matt Burton 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Toby Sexton. Forwards: 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon. Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Reed Mahoney.A