The Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs are set to clash in a crucial match as the NRL finals series kicks off. The winner of this top-four showdown will secure the opportunity to host a preliminary final in two weeks.

Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 7:50 PM AEST, which is 7:20 PM ACST in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and 5:40 PM AWST in Western Australia. Fans across the country are gearing up for this exciting encounter.

This evening marks the beginning of the finals, with eight teams vying for the championship title. By the end of the weekend, only six teams will remain in contention. However, tonight's match is not just about survival; it is about positioning for a chance to reach the grand final.

The Storm and Bulldogs are both strong contenders, and their performance tonight will be critical. As the match unfolds, fans can follow live updates and statistics through various platforms. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as supporters rally behind their teams in this pivotal moment of the season.