NRL

Round 26 begins with an unusual replay of the 2025 NRL grand final between the Broncos and Storm, given neither team will make the finals this year.

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Friday night is far more finals relevant for 2026 as the Bulldogs’ season goes on the line against the Panthers, before the Roosters then host the Dolphins in a heavyweight finals preview on Saturday.

The Warriors take on the Knights on Sunday afternoon in Auckland in another match that will shape the order of the top eight.

The Raiders have the bye.

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NRL 2026 — ROUND 26

Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm

(Thursday, August 27 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)

Brisbane predicted team:

1. Hayze Perham
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Grant Anderson
6. Ezra Mam 
7. Ben Hunt/Adam Reynolds*
8. Xavier Willison
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan (c)

14. Blake Mozer
15. Aublix Tawha
16. Jack Gosiewski
17. Va’a Semu
18. Tom Duffy
19. Gehamat Shibasaki

Broncos team news:

The Broncos avoided the wooden spoon with their win over the Raiders. With just two matches left in their season the clock is ticking on Adam Reynolds (calf) to get a retirement swan song, ideally a home one at Suncorp on Thursday night. Everyone in rugby league wants him to play and the Broncos will give him every opportunity to make it, but if he doesn’t Ben Hunt will again slot in at No.7.

Melbourne predicted team:

1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Moses Leo
6. Cameron Munster
7. Trent Toelau
8. Stefano Utoikamanu 
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Angus Hinchey
17. Cooper Clark
18. Joe Chan
19. Manaia Waitere

Storm team news:

Ativalu Lisati (ankle) and Jahrome Hughes (hamstring) will both be pushing for a return this week, but the Storm may not think it’s worth the risk of re-injury given there are just two weeks to play in 2026 and no chance of finals.

Manly Sea Eagles vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons 

(Friday, August 28 at 4 Pines Park, 6:00pm AEST)

Manly predicted team:

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)
2. Jason Saab
3. Josh Feledy
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Clayton Faulalo
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Simione Laiafi
9. Brandon Wakeham
10. Nathan Brown
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin
15. Nicholas Lenaz 
16. Corey Waddell
17. Ethan Bullemor 
18. Taniela Paseka
19. Fletcher Baker

Sea Eagles team news:

Ethan Bullemor should return this week, but Tolutau Koula is likely out for the season with a syndesmosis injury. Taniela Paseka (knee) is a chance to be named, most likely on the bench.

St. George Illawarra predicted team:

1. Daniel Atkinson
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Tyrell Sloan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
9. Damien Cook (c)
10. Toby Couchman
11. Dylan Egan 
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Ryan Couchman

14. Josh Kerr
15. Jacob Halangahu
16. Jacob Webster
17. Blake Lawrie
18. Setu Tu
19. Kade Reed

Dragons team news:

Jacob Liddle suffered a calf injury against the Bulldogs is set to be ruled out with Damien Cook named at No.9. Daniel Atkinson is set to remain at fullback for the remainder of 2026 with Clint Gutherson having season-ending knee surgery.Emre Guler left last week for Super League ending his 33-match Dragons career. Dean Young may be tempted to give Kade Reed another crack at first-grade with an eye to the future.

Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bulldogs

(Friday, August 28 at CommBank Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)

Penrith predicted team:

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary (c)
8. Moses Leota  
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Liam Henry
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Liam Martin
13. Lindsay Smith

14. Billy Scott
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Luke Garner
17. Billy Phillips
18. Jack Cole
19. Luron Patea

Panthers team news:

Mitch Kenny (leg) is unlikely to seen before the finals while Jack Cogger has copped a 3-week ban for his high shot on Tyran Wishart, possibly opening the door for Blaize Talagi to return at No. 6. However should Ivan Cleary opt for Perth-bound Jack Cole it will not bode well for Talagi’s finals hopes.

Canterbury predicted team:

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Matt Burton
4. Bronson Xerri
5.Enari Tuala*
6. Stephen Crichton (c)
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston 
13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann*
15. Josh Curran
16. Harry Hayes
17. Alekolasimi Jones
18. Jake Turpin
19. Sean O’Sullivan

Bulldogs team news:

Enari Tuala (knee) was a late withdrawal in Round 25 but should be okay this week. Kurt Mann (groin) is racing the clock to be fit for the must-win match with the Panthers and Cameron Ciraldo said the club isn’t confident he’ll make it. Jonathan Sua has copped a one-week ban for a tackle on Moses Suli in Round 25.

Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs

(Saturday, August 29 at Cbus Super Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)

Gold Coast predicted team:

1. Keano Kini
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Jojo Fifita*
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Lachlan Ilias 
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Oliver Pascoe
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c)
11. Kurtis Morrin
12. Josh Patston/Beau Fermor*
13. Cooper Bai

14. Arama Hau
15. Klese Haas
16. Chris Randall
17. Bodhi Sharpley
18. Luke Sommerton
19. Siale Faeamani

Titans team news:

Josh Patston (concussion) could be back this week and will likely take the place of Beau Fermor who left the field with an abdominal injury in the loss to the Sharks. Jojo Fifita (hip) is also in some doubt. Arama Hau and Moeaki Fotuaika were both bumped to bench in Round 25 with Klese Haas and Kurtis Morrin starting. Winger Dean Ieremia continues to manage a hamstring strain and could again be replaced by Jaylan De Groot.

South Sydney predicted team:

1. Matt Dufty
2. Alex Johnston
3. Latrell Mitchell* 
4. Jack Wighton
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Brandon Smith
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. David Fifita
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Cameron Murray (c)

14. Jye Gray
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Sean Keppie
17. Euan Aitken
18. Peter Mamouzelos
19. Ed Kosi

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Rabbitohs team news:

Given the poor showing against the Warriors, Wayne Bennett may be tempted to switch things up in Round 26. There is growing confidence Latrell Mitchell (nerve) will be back after a long injury layoff. Jamie Humphreys (ankle) continues to be a week-to-week proposition, but if he’s fit he could even come straight in at No.7.

Sydney Roosters vs. Dolphins

(Saturday, August 29 at Allianz Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)

Roosters team:

1. James Tedesco* (c)
2. Billy Smith
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte 
9. Reece Robson
10. Spencer Leniu
11. Salesi Foketi
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley*

14. Connor Watson 
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Nat Butcher
17. Egan Butcher
18. Cody Ramsay
19. Angus Crichton*

Roosters team news:

James Tedesco (ankle) has missed the past three matches and while he will likely be again named at fullback there’s no guarantee he will play. Victor Radley is in doubt for multiple reasons, put on report for a high shoulder on Patrick Herbert in the Tigers loss and then leaving for an HIA in the closing stages. Angus Crichton (foot) and Daniel Tupou (shoulder) are both nearing returns. Could this be the week? 

Dolphins predicted team:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nokirima
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. Francis Molo
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Ray Stone
18. Brad Schneider
19. Jake Averillo

Dolphins team news:

Kurt Donoghoe should return following minor hand surgery. Connelly Lemuelu (hamstring) is likely to miss another week with Max Plath again starting in the second row.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers

(Saturday, August 29 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)

North Queensland predicted team:

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Tom Chester
5. Murray Tualagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Jaxon Purdue
8. Griffin Neame
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke
15. Tom Mikaele
16. John Bateman
17. Coen Hess
18. Sam McIntyre
19. Ethan King

Cowboys team news:

Fresh off the bye the Cowboys simply must beat the Tigers and ideally beat them well with the Bulldogs breathing down their necks for 8th spot. Tom Dearden (ankle) and Jeremiah Nanai (hamstring) are both nearing returns and, with the stakes high, Todd Payten may well pull the trigger. Look for both stars to be included on the extended reserves.

Tigers predicted team:

1. Jahream Bula
2. Junior Tupou
3. Solomone Saukuru
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Jock Madden
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Tony Sukkar
13. Alex Seyfarth

14. Heath Mason
15. Sione Fainu
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Tristan Hope
18. Charlie Murray
19. Sunia Turuva

Tigers team news:

Latu Fainu (hamstring) remains out with Jock Madden set to stay in the halves. Sunia Turuva (knee) dropped out of the 19 for Round 25 and with reports it wasn’t an injury-related decision it will be interesting to see if Benji Marshall brings him back before the end of the season, particularly with Jeral Skelton picking up a try double against the Roosters. Alex Twal is definitely out after leaving the Roosters match with a Category 1 concussion.

New Zealand Warriors vs. Newcastle Knights

(Sunday, August 30 at Go Media Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)

Warriors predicted team:

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Luke Laulilii
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Leka Halasima
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Te Maire Martin*
7. Chanel Harris-Tavita
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett 
11. Kurt Capewell 
12. Jacob Laban
13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey
15.Tanner Stowers-Smith
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
18. Adam Pompey
19. Luke Hanson

Warriors team news:

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will serve the second week of his ban for a hip drop tackle on Reece Walsh with Taine Tuaupiki remaining at fullback. Te Maire Martin (hamstring) is a chance of returning but the Wahs may err on the side of caution ahead of the finals. If he’s ruled out, Luke Hanson should start at five-eighth once again. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak requires surgery after suffering a broken collarbone against the Rabbitohs and could be replaced by former Tigers winger Luke Laulilii. Jackson Ford (pectoral) and Luke Metcalf (hamstring) are both aiming for finals returns.

Newcastle predicted team:

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. James Schiller
3. Fletcher Hunt
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Jermaine McEwen
12.Francis Manuleleua* 
13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham
15. Cody Hopwood
16. Lachlan Crouch
17. Thomas Cant
18. Pasami Saulo
19. Toby Winter

Knights team news:

The loss to Manly put a major dent in the Knights home final chances and turning things around in Auckland will be even tougher with Dom Young and Tyson Frizell both facing one-week bans for hip-drop tackles. Dane Gagai (hamstring) is 50/50 with Fletcher Hunt likely to line up in the centres once again. Francis Manuleleua is managing concussion symptoms and remains in doubt. With the bye in Round 27 this is Newcastle’s last game of the 2026 regular season.

Parramatta Eels vs. Cronulla Sharks

(Sunday, August 30 at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)

Parramatta predicted team:

1. Sean Russell
2. Brian Kelly
3. Will Penisini
4. Jordan Samrani
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Luca Moretti
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. Junior Paulo
11. Jack Williams
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Jack De Bellin

14. Dylan Walker*
15. Saxon Pryke
16. Teancum Brown
17. Harrison Edwards
18. Apa Twidle
19. Kelma Tuilagi

Eels team news:

Sean Russell returned to first-grade at fullback in Round 25 and it will be interesting to see where he’s named this week. Veteran Dylan Walker (wrist) could be back to play his final home game with the Eels.

Cronulla predicted team:

1. Will Kennedy 
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti 
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Niwhai Puru
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fanua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey (c)
10. Jesse Colquhoun
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton 
13. Cam McInnes

14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Billy Burns
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Tom Hazelton
18. Hohepa Puru
19. Toby Rudolf

Sharks team news:

Niwhai Puru continues in the halves with Braydon Trindall (shoulder) still out. Toby Rudolf has spent the past fortnight in NSW Cup and it would be a surprise not to see him earn an NRL recall before the finals.

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NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 26:

Come back once Round 26 begins for the latest scores and results.