The 2026 NRL Finals arrive this September to see out this season’s NRL Premiership and punters are lining up for the latest NRL Finals odds, fixtures, schedule, and betting tips as the top eight clubs battle for a spot in the 2026 NRL Grand Final on Sunday the 4th of October. With every match delivering knockout intensity, this is the best time of year to dive into NRL Finals betting with Ladbrokes, track the key contenders set to take out this year’s Premiership title, and follow every twist in the race. Whether you’re chasing early value, comparing NRL Finals markets, or looking for form‑based insights, we’ve got your full guide to the 2026 NRL Finals series right here.
2026 NRL Finals Week 3 Fixtures
Preliminary Final 2: Penrith Panthers (QF Winner) vs Newcastle Knights (SFW)
- Date: Sunday September 27, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:05pm (AEST)
- Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Favourites: Penrith Panthers
- Best Bet: Panthers to win by 1-12 @ $2.75
The second Preliminary Final sees reigning powerhouse Penrith attempt to book yet another Grand Final appearance when they take on the fairytale team of the 2026 finals series, the Newcastle Knights.
The Panthers earned their direct passage to Week 3 after defeating the Roosters in the Qualifying Final and remain the team every contender is trying to beat.
Newcastle continue to be the surprise packet of the finals after eliminating South Sydney before stunning the Warriors in Auckland to reach the Preliminary Finals.
Led by Kalyn Ponga and carrying enormous momentum, the Knights have embraced the underdog tag and will be eager to continue their giant-killing run against the minor premiers.
The Panthers’ defensive structure, finals experience and big-game stars make them deserved favourites, but the Knights have already shown they can win under pressure and won’t be lacking belief heading into the biggest match the club has played in years
2026 NRL Finals Week 4: Grand Final Fixture
Sydney Roosters vs TBC
- Date: Sunday October 4, 2026
- Kickoff: 6:30pm (AEST)
- Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Favourites: TBC
- Best Bet: TBC
2026 NRL Finals Week 3 Results
Preliminary Final 1 Result: Dolphins (20) lost to Sydney Roosters (36)
- Date: Friday September 25, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
- Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Winners: Sydney Roosters
- Score: Dolphins 20 – 36 Roosters
2026 NRL Finals Week 2 Results
Semi Final 1 Results: Sydney Roosters (46) defeated Cronulla Sharks (10)
- Date: Saturday September 19, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Winners: Sydney Roosters
- Score: Roosters 46 – 10 Sharks
Semi Final 2: New Zealand Warriors (10) lost to Newcastle Knights (12)
- Date: Sunday September 20, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:05pm (AEST)
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Winners: Newcastle Knights
- Score: Warriors 10 – 12 Knights
2026 NRL Finals Week 1 Results
Elimination Final 1 Results: South Sydney Rabbitohs (10) lost to Newcastle Knights (20)
- Date: Friday September 11, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Winners: Newcastle Knights
- Score: Rabbitohs 10 – 20 Knights
Qualifying Final 1 Results: New Zealand Warriors (16) lost to Dolphins (26)
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:05pm (AEST)
- Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Winners: Dolphins
- Score: Warriors 16 – 26 Dolphins
Elimination Final 2 Results: Cronulla Sharks (26) defeated North Queensland Cowboys (16)
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:50pm (AEST)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Winners: Cronulla Sharks
- Score: Sharks 26 – 16 Cowboys
Qualifying Final 2 Results: Penrith Panthers (19) defeated Sydney Roosters (12)
- Date: Sunday September 13, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:05pm (AEST)
- Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Winners: Penrith Panthers
- Score: Panthers 19 – 12 Roosters
2026 NRL Finals Betting: Grand Final Odds
The 2026 NRL Finals culminate with the highly anticipated Grand Final, with several powerhouse clubs surging at the right time and reshaping the premiership picture. Current 2026 NRL Premiership betting highlights a clear group of frontrunners — sides carrying strong recent form, dominant defensive metrics, and proven big‑match credentials — alongside a cluster of dangerous contenders capable of producing an upset run through September. Momentum is playing a major role, with teams on extended winning streaks shortening in NRL Finals betting markets, while inconsistent outfits remain in the mix thanks to high‑ceiling attacking performances. As the finals approach, punters are closely tracking market movement, form trends, and key match‑ups to identify value across the 2026 NRL Grand Final Winner market.
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Roosters | 1.44 | Bet Now |
| Newcastle Knights | 2.80 | Bet Now |
NRL odds correct as of 27/09/2026 and subject to change.
The 2026 NRL Finals are some of the most exciting weeks of Australian Rugby League and lead into the highly anticipated NRL Grand Final run in Sydney at ANZ Stadium on the first Sunday in October each spring.
Each year the annual Telstra Premiership provides fans with endless NRL betting odds and options with the season starting with 27 regular rounds of play as the 17 NRL teams race for competition points and ladder positions.
At the end of the standard season the Top 8 teams on the NRL Ladder play off in the finals series over four weeks starting in mid-September. The final two teams left after the finals are run and won then face off in the annual Grand Final to determine that year’s NRL Premiers.
NRL Premiership betting is open all season offering all-in prices on each club to take it out.
2026 NRL Finals Dates
| Round | Dates | Match‑Ups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals | 11–13 Sept 2026 | Qualifying Final: 2nd vs 3rd Elimination Final: 6th vs 7th Elimination Final: 5th vs 8th Qualifying Final: 1st vs 4th | Venues & exact teams confirmed after Round 27 |
| Week 2 – Semi Finals | 19–20 Sept 2026 | Semi Final 1 Semi Final 2 | Losers of QFs vs Winners of Eliminations |
| Week 3 – Preliminary Finals | 25–27 Sept 2026 | Preliminary Final 1 Preliminary Final 2 | Winners of Semis vs Winners of QFs |
| Week 4 – NRL Grand Final | 4 Oct 2026 | Grand Final |
The 2026 NRL Finals dates begin on Friday the 11th of September 2026.
The NRL 2026 finals conclude with the NRL Grand Final on Sunday October 4, 2026, at ACCOR Stadium in Sydney.
- 2026 NRL Minor Premiers: Penrith Panthers
- 2026 NRL Premiers: TBD
- 2026 NRL Runners-Up: TBD
- Clive Churchill Medallist: TBD
2026 NRL Finals Predictions & Betting Tips
The 2026 NRL Finals picture is taking shape, and the key contenders are separating themselves through form, consistency, and September‑ready football.
Who Will Win the NRL Grand Final?
NRL 2026 Premiership Contenders & Predictions
Penrith Panthers
The Panthers remain the benchmark despite patches of inconsistency, with their 2026 campaign defined by elite defence and the ability to rebound quickly after losses. Their recent form line shows they’re still capable of producing dominant patches, and their finals experience gives them a major edge. Penrith’s ceiling is as high as ever, making them a leading NRL Finals contender.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have surged into the finals frame on the back of one of the strongest form streaks of the season. Their 2026 run has been built on momentum, discipline, and a top‑tier forward pack that consistently wins territory. With multiple wins in their last five and a proven ability to close out tight matches, they shape as a genuine NRL Finals threat.
Dolphins
The Dolphins are the breakout story of 2026, entering the finals with a perfect recent form line and one of the competition’s most balanced rosters. Their attack has clicked at the right time, and their defensive resilience has tightened significantly. Momentum is everything in September, and the Dolphins have more of it than anyone — making them a dangerous NRL Finals bolter.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters’ 2026 season has been streaky, with flashes of brilliance mixed with costly lapses. Their last five matches show inconsistency, but their top‑end talent and big‑game pedigree keep them firmly in the mix. If they can stabilise defensively, they remain a live NRL Finals value play.
Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla’s late‑season slump has raised major concerns, with their last five matches showing a sharp downturn in form. They’ll need a dramatic turnaround to threaten deep into September, but their defensive structure — when functioning — can still trouble top sides. The Sharks profile as a risky but intriguing NRL Finals outsider.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney have shown patches of strong form in 2026, including multiple wins in their recent run, but inconsistency remains their biggest obstacle. Their attack can explode when given momentum, making them a potential spoiler in Week 1. The Rabbitohs are a classic NRL Finals smoky capable of an upset if they start fast.
NRL Finals History: Key Club Records
Below we take a look at the NRL finals history behind the key clubs in the 2026 NRL Grand Final race.
| Team | Last Grand Final Appearance | Most NRL Finals Appearances | Premierships Won | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penrith Panthers | 2025 (Premiers) | 1990s–2020s consistent finals era | 5 titles (1991, 2003, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025\*) | Modern dynasty; five straight Grand Finals |
| New Zealand Warriors | 2011 | Sporadic finals runs since 2001 | 0 titles | Known for momentum‑based September surges |
| Dolphins | N/A (new club, debuted 2023) | Building early finals profile | 0 titles | 2026 is their breakout season |
| Sydney Roosters | 2019 (Premiers) | One of the highest finals counts in NRL history | 15 titles | Most successful modern‑era club |
| Cronulla Sharks | 2016 (Premiers) | Regular finals side since mid‑2010s | 1 title (2016) | Known for grinding defensive finals football |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs | 2014 (Premiers) | Historic club with deep finals history | 21 titles | Most premierships in NRL history |
2026 NRL Finals Betting Tips
- Back regular season momentum: Teams entering September on winning streaks historically outperform their seeding.
- Watch defensive metrics: Finals football rewards discipline — sides leaking points rarely survive past Week 2.
- Track market movement: Shortening odds often reflect injury returns, key inclusions, or tactical shifts.
- Consider experience: Clubs with proven finals pedigree (Penrith, Roosters) often outperform their late‑season form.
- Upset potential: Momentum clubs (Warriors, Dolphins) are primed to knock off higher‑seeded opponents.
2026 NRL FINALS SCHEDULE
The 2026 NRL Finals are set to be an exciting culmination of the season! The finals series will kick off in September, with the top eight teams battling it out for a spot in the Grand Final. The Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The finals format includes:
- Qualifying and Elimination Finals: The top four teams play in the qualifying finals, while the bottom four of the top eight compete in elimination finals.
- Semi-Finals: Winners of the elimination finals face the losers of the qualifying finals.
- Preliminary Finals: Winners of the semi-finals take on the winners of the qualifying finals.
- Grand Final: The two remaining teams compete for the premiership.
With teams like the Penrith Panthers, Melbourne Storm, and Sydney Roosters expected to be strong contenders, the finals promise another slate of top-class Rugby League action!
NRL FINALS SYSTEM
Previously the NRL Finals were decided according to the McIntyre System, but the new system now gives the teams in the Top 4 a fairer chance of making it all the way to Grand Final day.
Below is a quick run-down of how the Telstra Premiership Finals Series structure works.
How the NRL Finals Work
The NRL Finals follow a four‑week playoff system designed to reward top‑four consistency while still giving lower‑ranked teams a genuine shot at a Grand Final run. The structure blends Qualifying Finals, Elimination Finals, Semi Finals, Preliminary Finals, and the NRL Grand Final, with every match shaping the premiership race.
Finals Format Explained
Top Eight Qualification
The top eight teams from the regular season advance to the finals. The bracket is split into two groups:
- Top 4: Earn a double chance
- Bottom 4: Face sudden‑death football from Week 1
NRL Finals Week 1: Qualifying & Elimination
Four games are played in the opening week. Two are Qualifying Finals with the winner getting a rest the following week, while the losing team play in a semi-final elimination. The other two games played between the bottom four teams in the Top 8 are Elimination Finals and are must win matches for the teams to progress to Week 2 of the finals.
- Qualifying Final 1: 1st (Home) vs. 4th (Away)
- Elimination Final 1: 5th (Home) vs. 8th (Away)
- Elimination Final 2: 6th (Home) vs. 7th (Away)
- Qualifying Final 2: 2nd (Home) vs. 3rd (Away)
NRL Finals Week 2: Semi-Finals
In the second week two games are played between four teams with home ground advantage going to the two losing teams of the Week 1 qualifiers. Both games are do-or-die with the winners progressing into the Week 3 Preliminary Finals against the winning teams from Finals Week 1, while the losers say goodbye to the Grand Final dream for the season.
- Semi Final 1: Week 1 First Qualifiers Loser (Home) vs. Week 1 First Elimination Winner (Away).
- Semi Final 2: Week 1 Second Qualifiers Loser (Home) vs. Week 1 Second Elimination Winner (Away).
NRL Finals Week 3: Preliminary Finals
The final two games before the NRL Grand Final are contested in the Preliminary Finals round with the two Finals Week 1 Qualifying winners having home ground advantage over the two winning Semi Final NRL Teams from Week 2. The results of these games decide the NRL Grand Final teams for the season.
- Preliminary Final 1: Week 1 First Qualifiers Winner (Home) vs Semi Final 2 Winner (Away)
- Preliminary Final 2: Week 1 Second Qualifiers Winner (Home) vs Semi Final 1 Winner (Away)
NRL Finals Week 4: Grand Final
The two Preliminary final winners from week three of the NRL Finals face off in the NRL Grand Final, now held on the last Sunday in September, with the last two teams standing meeting in the season’s biggest game at Accor Stadium in Sydney. If you’d like to see information on one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, you can check out our dedicated Grand Final page.
Historical NRL Finals Results
The NRL Finals have produced some of the most iconic premiership moments of the modern era, with dominant dynasties, miracle runs, and last‑minute Grand Final thrillers shaping the competition’s history. For punters, understanding past finals trends — premiership winners, runners‑up, and standout performances — helps frame long‑term patterns that influence betting across September.
Below is a clean, SEO‑friendly table covering NRL Grand Final results from 2010–2025, giving you a quick snapshot of who has historically delivered when it matters most.
NRL Grand Final Results (2010–2025)
| Year | Premiers | Runners‑Up | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Penrith Panthers | Brisbane Broncos | 18–16 | Accor Stadium |
| 2024 | Penrith Panthers | Cronulla Sharks | 20–14 | Accor Stadium |
| 2023 | Penrith Panthers | Brisbane Broncos | 26–24 | Accor Stadium |
| 2022 | Penrith Panthers | Parramatta Eels | 28–12 | Accor Stadium |
| 2021 | Penrith Panthers | South Sydney Rabbitohs | 14–12 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2020 | Melbourne Storm | Penrith Panthers | 26–20 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2019 | Sydney Roosters | Canberra Raiders | 14–8 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2018 | Sydney Roosters | Melbourne Storm | 21–6 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2017 | Melbourne Storm | North Queensland Cowboys | 34–6 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2016 | Cronulla Sharks | Melbourne Storm | 14–12 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2015 | North Queensland Cowboys | Brisbane Broncos | 17–16 (Golden Point) | ANZ Stadium |
| 2014 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Canterbury Bulldogs | 30–6 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2013 | Sydney Roosters | Manly Sea Eagles | 26–18 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2012 | Melbourne Storm | Canterbury Bulldogs | 14–4 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2011 | Manly Sea Eagles | New Zealand Warriors | 24–10 | ANZ Stadium |
| 2010 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Sydney Roosters | 32–8 | ANZ Stadium |
NRL Finals FAQs
What are the NRL Finals?
The NRL Finals are the four‑week playoff series that determine which club reaches — and wins — the NRL Grand Final. The top eight teams from the regular season qualify and compete through Qualifying Finals, Elimination Finals, Semi Finals, Preliminary Finals, and the Grand Final.
How does the NRL Finals format work?
The top four teams receive a double chance, while teams ranked 5–8 face sudden‑death football from Week 1. Winners of the Qualifying Finals advance directly to the Preliminary Finals, while losers play the winners of the Elimination Finals in Week 2.
When do the 2026 NRL Finals start?
The 2026 NRL Finals begin on Friday 11 September 2026, running through to the NRL Grand Final on Sunday 4 October 2026 at Accor Stadium.
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 NRL Grand Final?
Current NRL Finals odds highlight strong contenders including Penrith, the Warriors, and the Dolphins, with the Roosters, Sharks, and Rabbitohs also in the mix depending on form and match‑ups.
How do NRL Finals odds change during September?
Odds typically shorten for teams on winning streaks, clubs returning key players from injury, or sides with strong defensive metrics. Market movement is common after Week 1 as the bracket reshapes.
Where is the 2026 NRL Grand Final being played?
The 2026 NRL Grand Final will be held at Accor Stadium in Sydney at 7:30pm AEDT on Sunday 4 October 2026.
What happens if a NRL finals match ends in a draw?
Finals matches go to extra time, and if still tied, golden point decides the winner — except the Grand Final, which continues until a winner is determined.