Blog
NRL 2026 Preliminary Finals results
25 September 2026 (updated 27 September)
Both Preliminary Finals are done. The Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights have booked their spots in the Grand Final, 4 October.
Preliminary Finals — both confirmed
| Home | Away | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphins 20 | lost to | Sydney Roosters 36 | Suncorp Stadium |
| Penrith Panthers 14 | lost to | Newcastle Knights 22 | BlueBet Stadium |
The Sydney Roosters are through to the Grand Final, running down the Dolphins 36-20 at Suncorp Stadium — a week on from putting 46 on Cronulla in their semi. The Newcastle Knights join them, holding off Penrith 22-14 at BlueBet Stadium.
The Grand Final — 4 October
The Sydney Roosters are the 2026 premiers, holding off Newcastle 19-18 at Accor Stadium in a one-point thriller. Full Grand Final recap.
How we got here
| Semi Final | Venue | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Roosters 46 | def | Cronulla Sharks 10 | Allianz Stadium |
| New Zealand Warriors 10 | lost to | Newcastle Knights 12 | Eden Park |
The Grand Final is set for 4 October. Whoever your competition picked this finals series, the ladder's open right up to the last siren.