NRL finals 2025, week 2: Betting tips & winner prediction

Week two of the NRL finals kicks off on Saturday, and after the incredible outcomes of last weekend’s match-ups it’s hard to know what to expect.

Of course, the weekend was rounded up by one of the most astonishing games iun NRL history where minor premiers Canberra twice celebrated victory only to be denied by the video referee and eventually a Ben Hunt field goal.

MORE: NRL BETTING TIPS

That was a massive upset and it will be fascinating to see how the Raiders regroup and face the surging Sharks in Canberra on Saturday night.

We have made no secret of our belief that Cronulla were the value bet heading into the finals, but we also did not expect them to have to face the rampant Raiders in this clash. Had they instead been travelling to Brisbane to play the Broncos, we would have been extremely confident the Sharks could survive another week. This match throws up a lot more uncertainty.

The Sunday semi-final between Canterbury and four-time defending champions Penrith promises to be another clash for the ages. The Bulldogs are on the slide after a great season, while the Panthers have overcome a slow start to still be in contention. Read on for our thoughts on some value NRL bets this weekend.

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Teams news for week two of the NRL finals

Ricky Stuart’s Raiders head into the semi-final with an unchanged team from the one beaten after two periods of extra time and then golden point. They are a battle-hardened outfit but they must overcome the disappointment of the loss to the Broncos. They almost had one foot in he grand final.

Meanwhile, the Sharks came through their tough 20-10 win against the Roosters in pretty good shape, with reliable forward Tom Hazelton close to a return from a knee injury that kept him out last week.

Both teams have their electric back lines intact for what should be a high-octane contest.

Things are certainly not so settled for the Bulldogs, who have named skipper Stephen Crichton (ankle) in the reserves in case he can make a miracle recovery. But his expected absence means playmaker Matt Burton shifts to the centres, with young gun Lachie Galvin in the No.6 jumper.

The Dogs do regain Bronson Xerri (concussion) in the centres, and workhorse hooker Reed Mahoney on the bench.

Meanwhile, Penrith rested players in the final few rounds and may be reaping the benefits with a better run with injuries. They have named the same team that beat the Warriors in New Zealand and also have star hooker Mitch Kenny (hamstring) close to a return.

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1st semi-final: Canberra v Cronulla

Start:	7.50pm AEST, Saturday, September 20
Venue:	GIO Stadium, Canberra
Head-to-head odds:	Canberra $1.57 v Cronulla-Sutherland ($2.40)
Line betting:	Canberra -4.5 ($1.90) v Cronulla-Sutherland +4.5 ($1.90)
Title odds:	Canberra $7.50; Cronulla-Sutherland $13

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Raiders v Sharks

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Saturday night’s game.

Cronulla Sharks +4.5 /total points over 44.5

The Raiders have had a hard time handling the Sharks’ attack. In fact, the Sharks have averaged 30 points across their past four matches against the Raiders, with the Sharks winning three of them. Both teams have plenty of points in them.. This option is around $3.75 with online betting sites.

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Canberra v Cronulla prediction 

Canberra have been outstanding this season but we have been strong in our belief that the Sharks can do some damage come the finals. They went out and recruited powerhouse prop Addin Fonua-Blake and he has proved an inpired addition. The Sharks are rolling and we think they can cause yet another surprise here, especially after they ramped up their defence last week to smother the dangerous Roosters. Our final Raiders v Sharks prediction? Sharks by 4 points.

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2nd semi-final: Bulldogs v Panthers

Start:	4.05pm AEST, Sunday, September 21
Venue:	Accor Stadium, Sydney
Head-to-head odds:	Canterbury-Bankstown $3.45 v Penrith ($1.32)
Line betting:	Canterbury-Bankstown +9.5 ($1.90) v Penrith -9.5 ($1.90)
Series odds:	Canterbury-Bankstown $23; Penrith $4.50

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Bulldogs v Panthers

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Sunday’s game.

Canterbury +9.5 points/match total under 39.5

Yes we think the Panthers will win but this start seems a little ridiculous in a match that is certain to be played with enormous intensity. This option is around $3.20 with online betting sites.

Viliame Kikau anytime try-scorer

We like to gamble on the big game players in big games and this guy is a beast. He plays on raw emotion to go with his size and footwork and we think he will crash over at some stage. Around $7 is available with most Aussie bookmakers appears to be great value.

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Bulldogs v Panthers prediction 

The money on this game this week has been one-way traffic, all for the Panther as they chase a fifth straight title. Canterbury have collapsed with injuries and form in the latter part of the season, and the absence of skipper Crichton is a particularly devastating blow. They need to turn this one into a forwards-based slog but it’s hard to see them getting past Penrith with the game’s best player Nathan Cleary fit and well. Our final Bulldogs v Panthers prediction? Panthers by 8 points.

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