ANALYSIS: 11 of the NRL’s other 16 teams have played in a grand final since the Warriors last did 15 years ago. It’s time for that to change. Andrew Voerman

Some big names are firming to make their returns for week one of the NRL Finals, but there could still be late changes for this weekend’s blockbuster battles.

The NRLW has spent much of this season reminding us that predicting what happens next is becoming increasingly difficult. The Dragons pushing the Broncos closer than expected.

If you asked retired English rugby league legend James Roby how the Newcastle Knights would go at the start of the season he would have predicted they’d be playing finals this week.

Former Warriors captain Monty Betham says ticket scalping ahead of Saturday’s NRL finals match against the Dolphins is disgusting and those doing it don’t under the club and it’s culture. Jim Kayes

The Panthers like to keep things in house.

Finals footy is here. It’s time to deep dive into the major talking points and try and predict the winners of all four of this weekend’s NRL finals matches. Mat Kermeen and Andrew Voerman

He has already played more NRL matches than any other outside back in the history of rugby league but ahead of yet another finals campaign Dane Gagai is certain there are still great days to come.

The celebrations for his 100th Rabbitohs appearance might be over, but Jai Arrow still has a “massive role to play” for the club as he continues to be their biggest inspiration going into the finals.

Two tough-as-nails props have led the way for the Warriors during the Andrew Webster era. Andrew Voerman