Week One of the 2023 Finals is upon us. We've been presented with three mouth-watering clashes, as well as an expected Newcastle win over Canberra.
Week One of the Finals can be very hit or miss.
Sometimes, you get game of the year contenders. Other times, unfortunately, the pretenders are separated from the contenders in a brutal fashion.
Everyone remembers the Grand Finals. Prelims too. Sometimes, though, games that take place in the weeks prior fall away from our memory.
Today is a day to revive some of those Week One classics.
In the spirit of the Top Eight battling it out this weekend, we've narrowed it down to our top eight games from Week One of the Finals since 2013:
6. Panthers 29 def Roosters 28 - 2020
2020, unfortunately, falls into the forgotten years, both for the Rugby League and the world, but this game stands out.
The twists and turns in this game made us neutral fans dizzy.
The Roosters came out of the blocks, breathing fire and scoring twice in the opening ten minutes. Penrith would respond by scoring the next five tries and looked to have it well in hand.
Tries to Tedesco, Morris and Crichton set up a breathtaking last-minute and a half.
Penrith would ultimately hang on but if this game goes another two minutes, the Chooks advance.
Ah Dan, how I envy your memory. The only one I can recall is Sharks v Cows.
Comes of being old, I guess.