NRL Finals Week 2 betting preview & predictions | Sept 20-21

The 2025 NRL semi-finals on September 20–21 bring two season-defining matchups that will determine who advances to the last four.

After last weekend’s chaos, the stakes rise even higher. On Saturday, the Canberra Raiders look to rebound from their golden-point heartbreak at home against a surging Cronulla Sharks squad. On Sunday, the injury-hit Canterbury Bulldogs face the ultimate challenge against a Penrith Panthers team chasing an unprecedented fifth straight premiership.

With plenty of rugby league betting value across both games, here’s our full NRL Finals Week 2 preview with expert tips, best bets, and a multi to follow.

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks

Saturday, September 20 – 7:50pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra

The Raiders return to Canberra still stinging from their extra-time loss to Brisbane, yet the top sports betting sites have them as solid favorites to bounce back at home.

Coach Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged 17, counting on the same pack to win the middle and reassert control. Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine will again lay the platform, Corey Horsburgh’s work rate around the ruck is vital, and Ethan Strange continues to shine as September’s breakout star with six tries in his last four games.

Hudson Young’s strike running on the left edge gives them another attacking weapon, and with Jamal Fogarty’s steady hand at halfback, Canberra have scored 24 points or more in eight straight at GIO Stadium — a trend that reflects structure and confidence at home.

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The Sharks survived Finals Week 1 largely thanks to Roosters mistakes and know they’ll have to go up a gear. Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall must kick early and often to manage field position, while Addin Fonua-Blake’s go-forward is the key to unlocking their outside backs.

However, the Sharks have just one win in their last six trips to Canberra, and finals pressure has exposed their red-zone execution before. If the Raiders settle early and control tempo, their superior defense and strike power should tip the scales.

Raiders v Sharks best bets

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers

Sunday, September 21 – 4:05pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney

The Bulldogs have taken a gamble with a reshuffled spine, moving Matt Burton to the centers and pairing 20-year-old Lachlan Galvin with Toby Sexton in the halves. That change gives Canterbury more direct running through the middle and frees Burton’s footwork and left-foot kick as a strike weapon on the edge.

Viliame Kikau looms as a key target runner at Penrith’s inside shoulders, while Jacob Preston has been a standout with four tries in his last two games against the Panthers. Connor Tracey’s composure at fullback and the possible return of Marcelo Montoya provide more stability under the high ball.

The Panthers, unchanged from last week, look ominous after holding the Warriors to just eight points in Auckland. Nathan Cleary’s kicking game, Dylan Edwards’ relentless support play, and Isaah Yeo’s ruck control have all clicked at the right time, while Moses Leota brings extra steel in his 200th NRL game.

Penrith have won eight of their last nine against Canterbury and own a huge edge in finals experience. Still, if the Dogs start fast, win the collision, and test Dylan Edwards with early kicks, they can drag the premiers into an arm-wrestle.

It’s a daunting task but a rare chance for the Doggies to shock the NRL world.

Bulldogs v Panthers best bets

NRL Finals Week 2 multi picks

• Canberra Raiders by 13+
• Hudson Young anytime tryscorer
• Canterbury Bulldogs to win
• Jacob Preston anytime tryscorer