The top eight teams from the regular season progressed to the finals series. In the first round, the top four sides meet, the winners get a bye the following week, the losers survive but play the next week. All other matches are a knockout scenario.
The top ranked team from the league (Penrith) and the third placed side (North Queensland) won their ties for a well earned week off. Second placed Cronulla and forth ranked Parramatta had to go again and now in a must win encounter.
Of the other four teams, Melbourne (5th) and Sydney Roosters (6th) both lost to lower finishing sides from the league table.
In the next round, the two higher ranked sides won reasonably comfortably and advanced to take on the rested sides. Having a week off didn't seem to matter for Parramatta who traveled to North Queensland and toughed out a gritty victory. Penrith meanwhile cruised into the grand final, looking every bit the champion side.
The grand final itself was a battle of the West, both sides from that area of Sydney. Penrith were the league winners and favourites. In the first half, they were in total control and it was over as a contest well before the final hooter. Parramatta got some consolation scores late on.
Picture credit: NRL.
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