LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Bunker nightmares come true, Penrith's biggest loss and Martin madness: 20 Thoughts from Preliminary Finals
After 27 regular-season rounds and three weeks of Finals, we're down to this.
The Storm have advanced to yet another Grand Final, aiming to correct the mistakes from last year's championship match.
The Broncos ended the Panthers' run and qualified for the big dance next Sunday. They also seek to move past the haunting memories of the 2023 Grand Final.
Despite just two NRL games this weekend, they generated numerous talking points.
Similarly, the NRLW, Jersey Flegg, and NSW Cup games provided excitement with new champions and an exciting Grand Final set to unfold.
Below are 20 thoughts from the NRL/NRLW Preliminary Weekend:
1. This season's predictions came true as the issues surrounding the Bunker continued during the Prelims. Over the past two weeks, we observed similar situations regarding head clashes, with the same official issuing two different rulings. I highlight this example because it didn't impact the outcome, but my biggest worry is that it will in the upcoming week.