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Melbourne might be the front-runners but Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco is not writing off any of the teams in the hunt for the NRL premiership.
Everyone's chasing Melbourne but Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco believes the NRL finals race is wide open.
Tedesco joined representatives from the seven other finalists in Brisbane on Monday to launch the finals series.
The Storm will go in as favourites to retain their premiership, with last year's defeated grand finalists Penrith their nearest rivals.
But Tedesco says Parramatta defeating the Storm twice this season shows their credentials while the free-scoring Manly are also a threat to any team, especially with red-hot Tom Trbojevic on the park.
South Sydney boast the proven premiership-winning experience of veteran coach Wayne Bennett and have a match-winning halves combination in Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker.
The Roosters might be injury-hit but have Tedesco on the park and premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson steering the ship while Newcastle and Gold Coast have X-factor threats in Kalyn Ponga and David Fifita at their disposal.
"Any team on their day can win," Tedesco said.
"Parra beat Melbourne, and they haven't been playing great footy but on their day they can.
"Melbourne are probably the benchmark but it's tough, I think everyone's a chance to be honest."
Reynolds, who is approaching the end of his time at Souths before his move to Brisbane from next season, was more definite in his opinion on who a team will need to get past to lift the Provan-Summons Trophy.
"I still think Melbourne," Reynolds told AAP.
"The quality of players they've got throughout their whole squad.
"They're well experienced and the majority of them have won a premiership before so they know what it takes.
"They're probably the prime pick at the moment."
The NRL finals begin on Friday with Melbourne hosting Manly at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Tedesco's Roosters face the Titans in a Townsville double-header on Saturday before Penrith and Souths clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The last fixture of the opening weekend of the post-season is an elimination final between Parramatta and Newcastle at Rockhampton's Browne Park on Sunday.
NRL FINALS WEEK ONE (All times AEST)
Friday, September 10
Qualifying final: Melbourne v Manly, 7.50pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Saturday, September 11
Elimination final: Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast, 5.40pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Qualifying final: Penrith v South Sydney, 7.50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Sunday, September 12
Elimination final: Parramatta v Newcastle, 4.05pm at Browne Park, Rockhampton
