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NRL Analysis: Broncos v Panthers Preliminary Finals Preview
The Panthers are just one game away from a sixth-consecutive NRL Grand Final when they take on the Broncos at Suncorp on Sunday.
Jason Oliver
September 27, 2025
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The Penrith Panthers are one win away from another NRL Grand Final, completing one of the great turnarounds from last on the ladder. But in their way is a Brisbane Broncos side that has played themselves into form throughout the backend of the season, and Reece Walsh is looking like the most dangerous player in rugby league at the right time of the year.
Key Points
Left Side; Strong Side: Both teams score the majority of their tries down their left channel. It’s where the game will be won and lost on Sunday.
Reynolds on return: It’s safe to assume he is asked to make a lot of reads defensively on Sunday.
🔒Mam off the bench: Everybody remembers what he did in the 2023 NRL Grand Final…
🔒Mitch Kenny v Payne Haas: If Kenny can win this battle more often than not, the Panthers will put themselves in a position to finish on top.
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Left Side; Strong Side
The Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers take a different approach to their football.
Brisbane are looking to strike from anywhere. They’re not afraid to push a pass and ask tough questions of the defence. They’ll shift in yardage and force the defence into concentrating for the whole set, every set. Meanwhile, Penrith are happier to retain possession, keep things relatively simple, and put fatigue into the opposition. They’ll chance their arm on the edges then the timing is right, but not before doing the hard work first.
But when the opportunity comes for either team, they’re looking to the left edge to make the most of it.
Per Stats Insider, both teams score the majority of their tries down their left channel. It’s where the game will be won and lost on Sunday.
Reece Walsh tormented the Raiders’ right edge defence in Week 1 of the finals by consistently taking possession with a lead inside three before using his speed to burn to the two-man and create an extra number on the edge.
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