LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Wrap: Tracking the path to NRL premiership glory
sharks.com.au are reporting
And then there were four.
Two thrilling preliminary finals this weekend will determine who competes at Accor Stadium for the 2025 NRL grand final on October 5.
The Panthers' pursuit of an extraordinary five-peat remains strong after their 46-26 victory over the Bulldogs. They now face a Broncos team that is refreshed and eager for redemption following their loss in the 2023 final.
Led by Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To'o in peak form, the Panthers have a genuine opportunity to become the first team to secure the premiership from outside the top four.
Should Ivan Cleary's squad succeed, they would be the first team since the dominant St George team of the 50s and 60s to claim five consecutive titles.
The Broncos will welcome back their captain, Adam Reynolds, from a hamstring injury as they aim to halt the Panthers' momentum and seize their first premiership since 2006.
The inclusion of 2014 premiership winner Reynolds will be crucial for the Broncos in countering a Panthers team that has won 12 of their 15 matches since finding themselves at the bottom of the ladder after Round 12.
Meanwhile, attention will shift to another standout playmaker leading into Friday night's other preliminary final in Melbourne, as Kiwi star Jahrome Hughes endeavors to recover from a fractured arm to face the Sharks.