NRL Finals Betting Preview: Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Penrith Lead Odds

The fixtures for week 1 of the NRL Finals have been confirmed after a thrilling last round of the regular season.

The Melbourne Storm claimed the minor premiership while the Cowboys edged into the final top-four spot. The Gold Coast Titans secured the final playoff position, despite a loss thanks to Wests being unable to win as well. With form often a key factor in Finals footy, intrigue lies ahead for all eight clubs.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast face off in the opening fixture of the weekend in this all-Queensland clash. The Broncos won the only time these two sides met this season and will be confident of repeating that feat. Confidence may be lacking at the Titans after a two-game losing streak but Finals can bring the best out of players. Brisbane are priced at $1.29 while the Titans stand at $3.65, according to website AustralianGambling.

Cronulla's poor run of form at the business end of the season has seen them lose the opportunity to host a home game in week 1, with that honor going to a Canberra Raiders side in the midst of a 10-match winning streak that sees them favorites for this match at $1.60.

Cronulla certainly have the quality to overcome odds of $2.35, but it will be an uphill struggle against an in-form Canberra side.

This year's minor premiers will face off against last year's Grand Final victors as the Storm host the Cowboys. Melbourne has the edge on the odds at $1.80 in contrast to North Queensland, who are priced at $2. As is often the case, this match could be dictated by the Storm's ability to deal with the Cowboys' star man Johnathan Thurston. With plenty of their own big names, the Storm will be quietly confident.

Three straight losses have seen the Bulldogs drop from top-four contenders to languishing in seventh position. Their opponents Penrith, however, have surged into the Finals on the back of five impressive victories. At home, the Panthers are held as favorites at $1.50 while the Bulldogs must overcome their poor form and odds as they stand at $2.60.