Melbourne Storm (2nd) vs Cronulla Sharks (5th) – Friday night – AAMI Park

The Sharks are chasing their third straight finals victory, and their second on the road, following impressive victories over the Roosters and the Raiders. They've had some luck to get this far, but there's no denying they are playing well. Their defence has been a standout, conceding just 22 points in the last fortnight. Defence wins premierships, so they're giving themselves every chance. The Storm should feel recharged after earning a week off, and that time has allowed them to bring back some significant inclusions on Friday night - Papenhuyzen returns from concussion, but the surprise inclusions are Hughes and Blore who are both returning from fractures. Fingers crossed both get through the game without issue. The Sharks did beat the Storm earlier in the year, but I'm focusing on the more recent match up in round 17 in Melbourne. On that occasion the Storm were comfortable winners 30-6. That Storm side were without Howarth and Warbrick. The Sharks were without Iro in that game too, so both backlines have been strengthened. No McInnes for the Sharks this time - I've wondered who would put their hand up for all the hard work he gets through, but there's been no shortage off willing Sharks getting through the tough stuff. I expect we will be deep into the second half before we know who wins this, but I keep looking at all those potential match-winners in that Storm line-up - Grant, Munster, Hughes, Papenhuyzen, Coates, Katoa - and while the Sharks are keeping an eye on all of them one of the unsung brigade could make them look like fools. Closer than most might be thinking, but:

Verdict - Storm by 7

Result - Storm 22 defeated Sharks 14

Brisbane Broncos (4th) vs Penrith Panthers (7th) – Sunday afternoon – Suncorp Stadium

There's been much talk of the 2023 Grand Final, and understandably so. I'm not sure the result haunts the Broncos, but they certainly won't want to talk about it. I know Junior Thinker still doesn't like to talk about it - he who toddled off in his Broncos jersey with his mates to join the celebrations at Broncos HQ twenty minutes before full-time. Ouch! Instead I'll focus on the more recent Magic Round match-up in round 9 this year. Same venue and same sized crowd as we can expect on Sunday, and the Panthers won that game 32-8. That Panthers team were missing Kenny, Sorenson, To'o and McLean, so a fair effort considering. Let's keep in mind that the Panthers weren't exactly flying at the time - just a few rounds later and they were running last on the ladder. I think we can all agree they're going better now. Importantly, the Broncos were without Walsh in that game, and we've seen a few times this year how his presence can turn this Broncos side into a premiership contender. Some key inclusions on Sunday for the Broncos, with Reynolds back in the halfback role, and Mam bringing his pace and energy off the bench. The experience and composure of Hunt and Reynolds and the speed and wizardry of Walsh and Mam just might be the combination that gets it done. It wouldn't surprise. Unfortunately, the Broncos have lost Carrigan and Walters, and they are big outs. Add those two and I'm picking the Broncos at home, but without them, I fear they'll just fall short. The Panthers first half performance last week was the best they've been all season, and possibly the best anyone has been all season. And here's a frightening statistic that seems so outrageous you wonder if it's actually true - the last time Cleary lost a daytime game was in 2019. It's true, and it's extraordinary. The Raiders/Broncos final was one of the best games I've ever seen. The afternoon schedule, great weather and this venue - there's some chance this game could top it.

Verdict - Broncos 16 defeated Panthers 14

Wally Lewis - finals week three selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning

• STORM (2nd) vs Sharks (5th)
• BRONCOS (4th) vs Panthers (7th)