The first match of the NRL Finals is here with the Penrith Panthers going up against the Parramatta Eels at 7:50 pm, Friday, September 9 on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The game will be played at Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium.
Going into the finals, the Panthers finished the season as the league’s minor premiers for the second time in three years. Last week, the Panthers rested 13 of their star players in preparation for the finals which resulted in a 30-point loss against the North Queensland Cowboys. The Eels last week secured their spot in the finals with a victory over the Melbourne Storm.
While the Panthers have had a near-perfect season coming off their premiership win last year, the Eels remain the only team who have beat them twice and the Panthers have yet to win against the Eels this season. Star Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary was suspended five weeks ago for a dangerous tackle against Dylan Brown and is making his return on Friday night from the suspension.
While the winner goes straight to the preliminary final match, the loser will have one more chance at the title in an elimination final.
Where to Watch NRL Finals Week 1:
Friday, 9th September
Panthers V Eels
Where: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
7:50 pm (AEST) kickoff on Channel 9, 9Now and Kayo
Saturday 10th September
Storm V Raiders
Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
5:40 pm (AEST) kickoff on Channel 9, 9Now and Kayo.
Saturday 10th September
Sharks V Cowboys
Where: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
7:50 pm (AEST) kickoff on Channel 9, 9Now and Kayo.
Sunday 11th September
Roosters V Rabbitohs
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
4:05 pm (AEST) kickoff on Channel 9, 9Now and Kayo.
Watch the first match of the NRL Finals with Panthers V Eels on Friday, 9th September at 7:50 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.