NRL 2024, Finals Week 2, expert predictions, North Queensland Cowboys, Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 11:01 AM

It's loser leaves town time in the NRL Telstra Premiership, as four of the remaining six sides fight for the right to keep their title dream alive.

On Friday night the Sharks will seek to end a horror run of winless finals appearances when they host the in-form Cowboys, before the Sea Eagles – fresh off a miraculous escape last week against the Bulldogs – travel to face a Roosters side who'll be hurting from a loss to the Panthers.

See who our NRL.com writers are picking to emerge victorious in Finals Week 2.

Sharks v Cowboys

Brad Walter: The Sharks showed against Manly two weeks ago what they are capable of and they have been near the top of the table all season for a reason. The Cowboys on the other hand have been inconsistent and could have easily lost against the Knights last weekend. Sharks by 2.

Cameron Mee: North Queensland are riding high and full of confidence after a tight victory over the Knights last week, while Cronulla are reeling after yet another finals loss. The key to defeating the Sharks is to slow their pack down and the Cowboys have the muscle up front to pull this off. While the travel will add to the challenge, look for Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai to lay the foundation up front. Cowboys by 6.

Colleen Edwards: No strangers to facing off in finals, having played out a thriller in Week 1 of 2022, the Sharks and Cowboys are set to serve up another cracking encounter. North Queensland say the trip to Sydney holds no fear for them and I think in the end they should have more points in them than the Sharks do. Cowboys by 6.

Corey Rosser: After travelling from Townsville to Sydney on the back of an end-to-end contest last week which will have zapped plenty of energy, I reckon the Cowboys are up against it big time here. The Sharks don't fill me with confidence right now, but this is close to a career-defining moment for Nicho Hynes, given he and Cronulla's uninspiring finals record of late, and I think they'll be right on for this one. Sharks by 2.

Martin Lenehan: The Sharks have now lost seven finals games on the trot and look to have a serious mental block about big games in September. They were blown off the park by the Storm and now face a dangerous and unpredictable opponent capable of rattling up points for fun. With Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter leading the way, the Cowboys will ride into Sydney and ambush the Sharks.
Cowboys by 8.

Finals Week 2 - Finals Week 2 - Friday 20 Sep

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Sharks

Cowboys

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

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Roosters v Sea Eagles

Brad Walter: Manly have the momentum and belief after a stunning come-from-behind win to down the Bulldogs last Sunday. Daly Cherry-Evans has the big match experience to know the right time to take the right option and he will again steer the Sea Eagles to a grand final qualifier. Sea Eagles by 4.

Cameron Mee: Emotions will be high when a host of Roosters run on to Allianz Stadium for the final time and I expect that to fuel the side throughout Saturday’s semi-final. The return of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will help ensure they don’t get physically dominated up front, while Manly will find it difficult to back up last week’s dramatic win. If the Roosters can contain Daly Cherry-Evans and neutralise his kicking game, they’ll be on their way to a preliminary final. Roosters by 8.

Colleen Edwards: The two sides have traded wins in their past two meetings this year, but the Sea Eagles should be fired up for an upset in the third edition. The Roosters will be looking to aim up after they were blown off the park early against the Panthers before mounting a fightback, but Manly have momentum going their way right now. Sea Eagles by 6.

Corey Rosser: Depending how you want to look at it, Manly either played their grand final last week or achieved a result which will spur them on to within 80 minutes of an appearance at the actual big dance. I tend to think it'll be the latter and they'll believe they can do anything come Saturday night. The smarts of Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks will be the difference when it matters. Sea Eagles by 1.

Martin Lenehan: The momentum is with Manly after they flew home to beat the Bulldogs in a classic at Accor Stadium on Sunday. By contrast, the Roosters again struggled against one of their bogey sides in Penrith and must regroup quickly if they are to avoid a straight sets exit. An immense forward battle will lay the platform for the speed men to go to work and it's here that Manly will have a slight edge. Sea Eagles by 2.

Finals Week 2 - Finals Week 2 - Saturday 21 Sep

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