Who plays who in the NRL finals, week one

First Qualifying Final

2- Brisbane v 3- Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm

Brisbane's best regular season in eight years has netted them a nightmare opening fixture to start the finals against Melbourne, who they haven't beaten since 2016. After Brisbane let the minor premiership slip with a 32-22 loss to the Storm last Thursday, both sides will return to Suncorp with the majority of their well-rested stars back in action. All eyes will be on the fitness of Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes and rival halfback Adam Reynolds, but both are expected to play.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Second Qualifying Final

1- Penrith v 4- Warriors at Blue Bet Stadium, 4.05pm

The Warriors face the toughest task of any team in week one with a trip to Penrith after slipping to fourth on the ladder in the final round. The Panthers have lost only four games at Blue Bet Stadium in four years, while the Warriors have one victory at the ground in the past decade. Both sides will be without their first-choice five-eighths for the match, with Jack Cogger to wear No.6 for Penrith and former Panther Te Maire Martin likely to fill in there for the Warriors.

First Elimination Final

6- Cronulla v 7- Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium, 7.50pm

Craig Fitzgibbon v Trent Robinson. Master v apprentice. Both teams have had their struggles this season but appear to have turned a corner. The Sharks went out in straight sets last year and will be desperate to prove they aren't "flat-track bullies". The Roosters have champion players throughout their team and will face a nervous wait on the fitness of star centre Joey Manu. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Second Elimination Final

5-Newcastle v 8- Canberra at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.05pm

Are Canberra anything more than lambs to the slaughter in this one? Without Josh Papalii, Corey Horsbrugh and almost certainly Seb Kris, their stocks are massively reduced against the red-hot Knights. Newcastle have been in irresistible form and haven't lost at home since April. Kalyn Ponga and Jackson Hastings are expected to overcome injuries to feature.