Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

In week one of the finals, the Roosters lost and the Sharks won, but most fair-minded football fans would feel like the Chooks were more impressive. Just 45% of possession against the Panthers, and the wrong side of a 7-2 penalty count, but they were in that game up to the comb on the top of their heads, against a team that remain the best in breed. The Sharks did enough to win against the 8th-placed Cowboys, but the quality of that game felt off at the time. That was all the more evident the next day, where the Panthers/Roosters clash appeared like a step up in grade. The Sharks will need to be better, but at least they're coming into this off a win, and winning helps. If they win it will likely be on the back of Trindall, who gives the Sharks a dimension in attack that can prove the difference. Notably, he's playing with one good arm, but he's still their most likely source of attacking awesomeness. Recent clashes between these sides would indicate the Sharks are up against it though. In round 6 in Perth, the Chooks beat them 34-22. More recently (round 16) and at this ground, the Chooks beat them 27-8. The home side won't have Walker on the field this time and, like Trindall at the Sharks, they're a more potent attacking outfit when he's out there. He's also a handy goalkicker, which can be important in a close game. Add Walker to the line-up in week one of the finals, and they probably win that game against Penrith. I expect they'll make amends, and they should draw a much bigger crowd than last week.

Verdict - Roosters by 8

Result - Roosters 46 defeated Sharks 10

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Eden Park

The Warriors wisely moved this game from their 25000 seat home ground to the 50000+ seat Eden Park. Apparently the game sold out in 12 minutes anyway. Fuel for the argument that rugby league is flying across the ditch, especially so when you realise that there are still tickets available for an upcoming Bledisloe Cup match, and they've been selling tickets to that for months. The Warriors have already beaten the Knights twice this year, the most recent of which was not long ago at all (round 26). These sides aren't likely to be racking up 78 points like they did in that contest, but there's no shortage of attacking talent in both line-ups. Note that the Warriors had a different pair of halves in that game (Hanson, Cleary), who both played well and are exciting prospects, but Martin and Harris-Tavita is an upgrade. Additionally, that Knights line-up had Saifiti and Mooney as their starting props, and both are unavailable now. Given the size of the Warriors pack, combined with an enormous home crowd willing them on, I expect the home side can win the all-important battle through the middle. While I'm here, I better mention that the respective coaches can share the honours for best coach in 2026. It's terrific to see some younger clipboard holders coming through and getting results.

Verdict - Warriors by 10

Result - Knights 12 defeated Warriors 10

Wally Lewis - week two finals selections (in bold)

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

• ROOSTERS (4th) vs Sharks (5th)
• WARRIORS (2nd) vs Knights (7th)