2022 NRL Grand Final: Predictions and tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for the 2022 NRL Grand Final between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels.

Where to watch

NRL Grand Final: Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels
Sky Sports Arena and Main Event, 9am Sunday

Best bet

Penrith Panthers to win by one to 12 points
2pts 21-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

NRL Grand Final preview

St Helens retained their Betfred Super League crown at Old Trafford last weekend and Australian champions Penrith Panthers bid to do the same in the NRL Grand Final against Parramatta Eels on Sunday morning.

The Panthers are appearing in their third consecutive title decider, having lost to Melbourne in 2020 in agonising fashion before going one better in 2021 with a 14-12 win over South Sydney at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

The Grand Final returns to its usual home, Stadium Australia in Sydney, after last year's temporary move to Queensland due to Covid-19 restrictions, and Penrith, who finished eight points better off than Parramatta in the regular season, are eight-point favourites to win a fourth title.

While Penrith are becoming Grand Final regulars, Parramatta are in their first decider since 2009 and are seeking a first Premiership success in 36 years.

The pair met in the opening week of the playoffs when Penrith ran out 27-8 winners at BlueBet Stadium, and their big-game experience could be decisive this morning. Back the Panthers to win by up to two converted scores.

Just 80 minutes stand between either Leigh or Batley and a place in Super League next year as they square off for a top-flight berth in Sunday's Championship Grand Final at Headingley (Premier Sports 1, 6.30pm).

That Leigh are in the promotion decider isn't exactly a surprise given the amount of money owner Derek Beaumont has invested in proven Super League and NRL talent in pursuit of a return to rugby league's top table.

The Centurions, coached by former Wigan player and boss Adrian Lam, won 26 of their 27 regular-season matches and thumped York 70-10 in last week's playoff semi-finals.

They also thrashed Batley 64-6 only three weeks ago and the part-time Bulldogs, who stunned Featherstone in the last four, are 40-point underdogs to cause an even bigger shock at Headingley.

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