The four-time defending premiers face a very different challenge in 2025 as they try to win the competition from outside the top four for the first time.

After finishing the regular season in seventh place the Panthers begin their quest for a fifth straight title with a sudden-death showdown against the Warriors in Auckland.

The Warriors sat fourth with two rounds to play but losses to the Eels and Sea Eagles in their last two matches have consigned them an elimination final against a Penrith side that knows what it takes to win big games in September.

The last time the Panthers lost a final was the 2021 qualifying final against the Rabbitohs, who they went on to beat in the decider to kick-start their reign.

The premiers have Brian To’o and Liam Martin to come back into the side after they were rested from Round 27 while the Warriors will be bolstered by the return of Wayde Egan (hip) and Jackson Ford (suspension).

Team News

Warriors: The versatile Kurt Capewell shifts from back row to centre to replace Rocco Berry (shoulder). Young gun Leka Halasima moves into the starting side in the back row. Hooker Wayde Egan (hip) and prop Jackson Ford (suspension) are both back for the sudden-death showdown. No changes in Friday’s 24-hour update with Sam Healey and Taine Tauapiki retained in the squad.

Panthers: Brian To’o and Liam Martin are back on deck after being given two games off to get over niggling injuries but hooker Mitch Kenny will miss the game with a hamstring injury. “We took Mitch off at half-time last week as a precaution but it’s a little bit worse that we first thought,” coach Ivan Cleary said. “It’s still only a minor strain but it’s just enough to not be at his absolute best which is what we need.” Luke Sommerton takes over in the No.9. Paul Alamoti retains his place on the wing with Thomas Jenkins dropping to 18th man.

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won three of their four finals games played in Auckland.
The Panthers have won nine of their last 10 games against the Warriors.
The Warriors have not defeated a Top 8 team since Round 14.
The Panthers have won their last 12 finals matches.
Warriors centre Adam Pompey has scored six tries in his last seven games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.