The Penrith Panthers are set to unleash their best attacking weapons as they look to take advantage of the Brisbane sunshine in Sunday's preliminary final.
The clash marks the first day-time grand-final qualifier since 2005, with the Broncos and Panthers set to put on a show in front of more than 50,000 fans.
With sunny skies and a dry track forecast, Penrith are determined to recreate the flawless attacking performance they produced in last Sunday's dismantling of the Bulldogs.
Next week. Bring it on
"It probably gets the best out of everyone's attack, so on the other side of the coin it will probably bring the best out of the Broncos," Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny said. "But I feel like playing at 4pm Sunday against the Bulldogs was really good preparation for that. So we'll be ready.
"We try to play the same way depending on weather, the location or the time. We definitely don't approach it any differently. We probably expect our opposition to move the ball around a bit more in the day, but that's fine. We can handle that."
Match: Broncos v Panthers
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Panthers
7th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The return of Sunday afternoon finals has proven a hit with fans, with big crowds and record TV ratings across the opening two weeks of the post-season.
Week one saw Reece Walsh assert his status as one of the biggest stars in the NRL when he led Brisbane to a stunning 29-28 win over the Raiders in Canberra.
Nathan Cleary matched that performance in front of more than 55,000 fans at Accor Stadium last weekend, producing a flawless first half to lead Penrith past the Bulldogs.
Nathan Cleary Try
This weekend will see the duo go face to face, with Walsh chasing his first win over the Panthers after seven-straight losses.
Cleary has tormented the Broncos in recent times, while he also enjoys putting on a show under sunny skies.
The halfback hasn't lost a daytime game since 2019 and is out to extend the streak on Sunday afternoon.
While he sometimes mesmerises his own teammates, edge forward Scott Sorensen said the pack has a responsibility to lay the foundation up front to provide Cleary the platform to perform.
"Last week was definitely the best performance this year," Sorensen said. "We were just very excited for the occasion. It was nice we could put some footy together.
"I think we just enjoyed the occasion. It wasn't really a mindset that we play better during the day, it was just doing our job. We were 20 from 20, so I am sure that goes a long way to helping us perform well."
While determined to take advantage of the opportunity to play on a dry track this weekend, the Panthers don't need to be reminded of how good the Broncos attack can be.
Reece Walsh Try
Walsh may be the focal point but powerhouse prop Payne Haas sets the tone up front and representative players are present throughout the entire team.
Gehamat Shibasaki came from the clouds to play Origin this year, while Kotoni Staggs looks destined to play for the Kangaroos in the upcoming Ashes series.
With so much talent across the park, Sorensen said the Panthers cannot get distracted by one player.
"They're electric," Sorensen said. "What they did down in Canberra, it was a big occasion playing Canberra in Canberra and they did a great job. They're going to be an absolute handful this weekend.
"Reece is their go-to guy but have a look at their forward pack. Both their centres are in career-best form. It's a star-studded team with Origin players and big-game players.
"Reece is a big part of what they do, but if you go through their line up, there's so much experience and big-time players so you can't get distracted by one person."
