General 2023 Week 1 Finals Opponents

I know NRL renowned for smart decisions but why give Pennys/Warriors game the Friday game where both have the 6/7 day turnaround but then give Broncos/Storm the Saturday game where they have a 9 day turnaround? No wonder the Top 4 teams all rested players this week when these random decisions are made. One could think it’s all angled at a Warriors conspiracy but let’s not go down that rabbit whole
Has that been confirmed yet? I heard we have Saturday night game?
 

NRL reportedly makes huge change for 2023 finals series​

The NRL is reportedly set to make a big change to the 2023 finals series fixtures in a move not seen since the 2019 post-season.
The NRL finals series will be announced at 6pm (AEST) on Sunday, but the finals fixtures picture is already falling into place.
With the Cowboys and Rabbitohs both butchering their chances of squeezing into the top eight, there are now just eight teams still alive in 2023.

The make up of the top five teams was locked in on Saturday night after the Broncos had earlier coughed up the minor premiership with their loss to the Storm.

With the Panthers trouncing the Cowboys and the Warriors crashing to a surprise loss to the Dolphins, the NRL is reportedly set to make a big change to its finals fixture structure for the opening round of the finals series.

Watch every game of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

According to multiple reports, there are whispers the NRL will schedule the Broncos-Storm qualifying final for the opening Friday night match.

That would result in the Panthers-Warriors qualifying final being moved to the Saturday night time slot. It is the first time since 2019 that the NRL will not start the finals series with the top team playing off against the team that finished fourth.

The expected 7.50pm (AEST) Saturday night time slot would be a nightmare for fans in New Zealand with the Warriors-Panthers match not starting until just before 10pm local time.

The New Zealand Herald reported there were moving parts still being worked out early on Sunday with a push from Kiwi fans to have the Warriors play in the earlier Saturday slot — which has been exclusively reserved for elimination finals in recent years.

Reece Walsh, Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura and Adam Reynolds of the Broncos celebrate. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Reece Walsh, Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura and Adam Reynolds of the Broncos celebrate. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.
Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images.

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster said after his team’s loss to the Dolphins he would prefer the Saturday night fixture.

“The seven-day turnaround would be better but the six day would be fine,” he said.

“We are ready to go. We are excited. I’d rather a seven day turnaround but we don’t complain.”

With the NRL regular season finishing with Cronulla’s clash with Canberra on Sunday afternoon, it seems likely Newcastle will host an elimination final on Saturday.

As the live ladder stands, Newcastle will play Canberra in the first elimination final.

Should the Raiders defeat the Sharks, the Knights will play the Roosters — and the Raiders will host the Sharks in the second elimination final.

Likely NRL finals series fixtures for Week 1

Friday, September 8

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium from 7.50pm (AEST)

Saturday, September 9

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders/Sydney Roosters, McDonald Jones Stadium from 5.40pm (AEST)

Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors, Panthers Stadium from 7.50pm (AEST)

Sunday, September 10

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters/Canberra Raiders — fixture unknown from 4pm (AEST)

NRL live ladder (at 2pm AEST on Sunday)

1st: Penrith Panthers (42 pts, +333) – defeated Cowboys 44-12

2nd: Brisbane Broncos (42 pts, +214) – lost to Storm 22-32

3rd: Melbourne Storm (38 pts, +168) – defeated Broncos 32-22

4th: New Zealand Warriors (38 pts, +124) – lost to Dolphins 34-10

5th: Newcastle Knights (35 pts, +175) – defeated Dragons 32-12

6th: Cronulla Sharks (32 pts, +104) – to play Raiders, Sunday @ 4:05pm

7th: Sydney Roosters (32 pts, -24) – beat Rabbitohs 26-12

8th: Canberra Raiders (32 pts, -119) – to play Sharks, Sunday @ 4:05pm
 

NRL reportedly makes huge change for 2023 finals series​

The NRL is reportedly set to make a big change to the 2023 finals series fixtures in a move not seen since the 2019 post-season.
The NRL finals series will be announced at 6pm (AEST) on Sunday, but the finals fixtures picture is already falling into place.
With the Cowboys and Rabbitohs both butchering their chances of squeezing into the top eight, there are now just eight teams still alive in 2023.

The make up of the top five teams was locked in on Saturday night after the Broncos had earlier coughed up the minor premiership with their loss to the Storm.

With the Panthers trouncing the Cowboys and the Warriors crashing to a surprise loss to the Dolphins, the NRL is reportedly set to make a big change to its finals fixture structure for the opening round of the finals series.

Watch every game of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

According to multiple reports, there are whispers the NRL will schedule the Broncos-Storm qualifying final for the opening Friday night match.

That would result in the Panthers-Warriors qualifying final being moved to the Saturday night time slot. It is the first time since 2019 that the NRL will not start the finals series with the top team playing off against the team that finished fourth.

The expected 7.50pm (AEST) Saturday night time slot would be a nightmare for fans in New Zealand with the Warriors-Panthers match not starting until just before 10pm local time.

The New Zealand Herald reported there were moving parts still being worked out early on Sunday with a push from Kiwi fans to have the Warriors play in the earlier Saturday slot — which has been exclusively reserved for elimination finals in recent years.

Reece Walsh, Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura and Adam Reynolds of the Broncos celebrate. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Reece Walsh, Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura and Adam Reynolds of the Broncos celebrate. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.
Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images.

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster said after his team’s loss to the Dolphins he would prefer the Saturday night fixture.

“The seven-day turnaround would be better but the six day would be fine,” he said.

“We are ready to go. We are excited. I’d rather a seven day turnaround but we don’t complain.”

With the NRL regular season finishing with Cronulla’s clash with Canberra on Sunday afternoon, it seems likely Newcastle will host an elimination final on Saturday.

As the live ladder stands, Newcastle will play Canberra in the first elimination final.

Should the Raiders defeat the Sharks, the Knights will play the Roosters — and the Raiders will host the Sharks in the second elimination final.

Likely NRL finals series fixtures for Week 1

Friday, September 8

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium from 7.50pm (AEST)

Saturday, September 9

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders/Sydney Roosters, McDonald Jones Stadium from 5.40pm (AEST)

Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors, Panthers Stadium from 7.50pm (AEST)

Sunday, September 10

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters/Canberra Raiders — fixture unknown from 4pm (AEST)

NRL live ladder (at 2pm AEST on Sunday)

1st: Penrith Panthers (42 pts, +333) – defeated Cowboys 44-12

2nd: Brisbane Broncos (42 pts, +214) – lost to Storm 22-32

3rd: Melbourne Storm (38 pts, +168) – defeated Broncos 32-22

4th: New Zealand Warriors (38 pts, +124) – lost to Dolphins 34-10

5th: Newcastle Knights (35 pts, +175) – defeated Dragons 32-12

6th: Cronulla Sharks (32 pts, +104) – to play Raiders, Sunday @ 4:05pm

7th: Sydney Roosters (32 pts, -24) – beat Rabbitohs 26-12

8th: Canberra Raiders (32 pts, -119) – to play Sharks, Sunday @ 4:05pm

Article doesn’t say why?

Either way looks like a 10pm start which is another hurdle for them to overcome 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
2011 could have been an 6th placed team, but I get ya point.

Still, in this new system and considering the calibre of the other three teams in the top four, it's going to be hard fights regardless of where we place.
What about the Roosters though? If they win it they will deserve it.
 
What about the Roosters though? If they win it they will deserve it.

Had to go back a bit to remember what the context of this was haha.

I was referring purely to the Warriors and the potential teams we could play in week 1 of the finals. I wasn't making a commentary on any other team.
 
Had to go back a bit to remember what the context of this was haha.

I was referring purely to the Warriors and the potential teams we could play in week 1 of the finals. I wasn't making a commentary on any other team.
Roosters have had to win their last 7 games
 
so it’s ok for people to wake up at 4am to watch a all blacks game but to stay up till 10pm on a Saturday is no go??

Fucking harden up - late game will be a vibe
 
so it’s ok for people to wake up at 4am to watch a all blacks game but to stay up till 10pm on a Saturday is no go??

Fucking harden up - late game will be a vibe
It is better than 10pm Sunday night. They might try a similar stunt for our home final.
 
I think it’s all about maximising a huge gate taking at Suncorp in the Broncos traditional Friday time slot which they traditionally get a massive crowd, as well as more peepers tuning in to the broadcast.

The Brisbane Lions would be playing at the same time on Saturday at the Gabba as well apparently
 
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