Penrith Panthers failed in move for former $90m Par ramatta Eels man…
Three-time defending champions Penrith have tentatively been booked to open the finals series in what would be the last game at their traditional home before a $309 million redevelopment.
Pending the results of matches in the final round, the NRL is considering giving Ivan Cleary’s record-breakers the honour of starting the play-offs in Sydney’s west before they shift their home ground to Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium for almost two years.
The schedule is reliant on second-placed Penrith toppling the Titans at home on Saturday night and the third-placed Roosters beating the Rabbitohs 24 hours earlier, which would mean both teams would maintain their positions on the ladder.
The Panthers and Roosters are heavy favourites to win those matches and clash in the first week of the finals.
It would then leave minor premiers Melbourne to host 2016 grand final rivals Cronulla the following night in the other qualifying final. The Sharks are unable to finish higher than fourth if the Panthers and Roosters win their games earlier in the round.
The NRL has been forced into a delicate balance with the Sharks, who, barring a catastrophic defeat against Manly on Sunday, are guaranteed a top-four position.
