NRL
Just four teams remain as the 2026 NRL Grand Final beckons.
The first of two titanic preliminary finals will see the Dolphins welcome the Roosters to a heaving Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
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Sunday afternoon then offers an Accor Stadium dress rehearsal as premiership favourites Penrith Panthers lock horns with 2026 surprise packets the Newcastle Knights.
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NRL 2026 Finals Series — Week 3
Dolphins vs. Sydney Roosters
(Friday, September 25 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
Dolphins predicted team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa (c)
8. Tom Flegler
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Gilbert
11. Max Plath
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Ray Stone
16. Francis Molo
17. Connelly Lemuelu
18. Brad Schneider
19. Tevita Naufahu
Dolphins team news:
Tom Flegler failed an HIA against the Warriors in Week 1 but with the week off should be good to go. If the Phins decide to take a cautious approach look for Francis Molo to come into the starting 13. Aside from that the Dolphins are full strength heading into the most important match in their short history.
Roosters predicted team:
1. James Tedesco (c)
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sam Walker*
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Salesi Foketi
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Nat Butcher
17. Angus Crichton
18. Cody Ramsay
19. Billy Smith
Roosters team news:
Egan Butcher (concussion) should be available after missing the Sharks semi-final, but he may struggle to crack the Roosters 19 with Angus Crichton making his long-awaited return from a serious foot injury. Sam Walker (ankle) missed Week 2 but is a live chance to return in the halves, likely pushing Hugo Savala back into the centres and Billy Smith to the bench.
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Penrith Panthers vs. Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, September 27 at Accor Stadium, 4:00pm AEST)
Penrith predicted team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Paul Alamoti*
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Jack Cole
7. Nathan Cleary* (c)
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Freddy Lussick
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Liam Henry
17. Billy Phillips
18. Billy Scott
19. Jack Cogger/Blaize Talagi
Panthers team news:
All eyes remain on the foot of Nathan Cleary. Luke Garner (groin) was a late withdrawal against the Roosters in Week 1 and while he may be available for selection, the strong centres performance of Blaize Talagi and likely availability of Paul Alamoti (hamstring) will almost certainly see him confined to the reserves bench at best. Isaah Yeo (pectoral) has been used off the bench since returning from injury in Round 27 but expect him to be named at lock once again, at least to begin the week. Jack Cogger is available but may have trouble unseating Jack Cole in the halves.
Newcastle predicted team:
1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. Dom Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Tyson Frizell
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Cody Hopwood
11. Jermaine McEwen
12.Francis Manuleleua
13. Mat Croker
14. Harrison Graham
15. Dylan Lucas
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Thomas Cant
18. Lachlan Crouch
19. Fletcher Hunt
Knights team news:
Inspirational captain Kalyn Ponga left the field following a head knock in the closing stages of the Warriors win but passed his HIA and will be free to take on the Panthers. Dylan Lucas played the final 15 minutes at Eden Park in a successful return from his ankle injury and looks set to play an even bigger role in the preliminary final.
NRL RESULTS, PRELIMINARY FINALS 2026
Come back once the action begins for the latest scores and results.
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