Power Rankings: Finals – Week Two

The two preliminary finals are set and they simply couldn't be more mouth-watering. The Storm will host bitter rivals and 2016 Grand Final sparing partners the Sharks, while the oldest rivalry in rugby league will peak when the Roosters host the Bunnies.

Greg Inglis has escaped suspension after a crusher tackle meaning the Rabbitohs look at full strength for their contest.

The Sharks have their inspirational captain racing the clock to be fit for the contest against the Storm, while Luke Lewis looks as though he will enter the contest less than 100%.

The Storm welcome back players while the Roosters are still without Latrell Mitchell.

Here are the power rankings for the final four.

1. Melbourne Storm: (2)

The Storm welcome back Will Chambers and will be playing a side having to travel interstate. While they've had their feet up for the week the Sharks' two most inspirational forwards will be racing the clock to be fit.

Melbourne are now favourites to head through to the decider.

Cam Smith has announced he will play on in 2019 while Billy Slater has literally everything to play for having announced his retirement.

Having beaten the Bunnies by the smallest of margins, the Storm will be well rested and ready to avenge their two losses this season at the hands of the Sharks.

They will enjoy the most obvious home ground advantage and should have an 80/20 advantage in the stands.

If the Storm can get it right this Friday night they're going to be very, very tough to beat.

2. Sydney Roosters: (1)

The Roosters enter their monster clash with the Bunnies sans their superstar centre who has been suspended for a crusher tackle. This isn't a situation where the tri-colours are a one man side, but what a man to lose.

They will enter the game against their old rivals as big favourites after the week off. There were a few Roosters players reported to be carrying knocks and this week off is absolutely invaluable.

They won't enjoy the same home ground advantage as the other hosts, the Storm, this weekend, but they do play Allianz Stadium very well. An ANZ clash would guarantee a hostile crowd, so the Allianz game is a good sign.

Cooper Cronk was brought to the club for this exact game. He was incredible against the Sharks in guiding his side home under huge pressure. Again the Roosters will look to their superstar number seven to guide them home.

The pressure will be on the Roosters pack. They need to get the jump on their red and green opponents to allow Cronk to go to work.

If the Roosters can get through this contest, they're unbacklable favourites in the Grand Final with their most attacking player back in the ranks.

3. South Sydney Rabbitohs: (3)

It took three field goals but the Bunnies escaped with the win over the Dragons. Adam Reynolds kicked three incredible one-pointers to guide his side through.

Cam Murray was the star and gave his team a chance with a brilliantly executed one-on-one strip.

Greg Inglis is free to play after accepting an early guilty plea for his crusher tacker on Saturday night. The Bunnies will enter the contest at almost full strength.

The Bunnies have the game to upset the Roosters. They can play a brand of footy that the Roosters struggle to contain. Damien Cook and Cody Walker are key here and will be looking to exploit any space created.

Just as their opponents, the pressure is on the Rabbit's big men. The Burgess brothers are the key here. Angus Crichton, Murray and John Sutton have huge roles to play.

Bunnies fans are going all in and could make this a Bunnies home game in terms of crowd support. You can't underestimate that.

4. Cronulla Sharks: (6)

The Sharks got the job done in typical Shark fashion. During the first 30 minutes they were untouchable. Matt Moylan has dominated his former side three times this season and cements the Sharks as big winners in the big trade.

Luke Lewis suffered an injury yet has stated he will play on Friday night. The Sharks need him if they're any chance to upset the Melbourne team.

Paul Gallen missed most of the second half and is in a genuine race against time to feature. Again, the Sharks need him, especially with Wade Graham out.

The Sharks were far from perfect. Lewis was bashed early in a set yet aimed up and forced a mistake later that set. Valentine Holmes made a horror call to allow Nathan Cleary to score but then won the ball and turned momentum with a clever kick off option that no one saw coming.

Jayson Bukuya missed a tackle allowing Penrith to level up, only to turn around and make the bust that allowed Townsend to slot the winning field goal.

That is the sign of a good team. The Sharks are at long odds to beat the Storm but they're in this.