The stage is set for an action-packed weekend of rugby league, with the Hostplus Cup (Queensland Cup) Grand Final and the Knock On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final taking place across September 27–28. Both competitions feature the best of the state-based pathways, and this year’s deciders promise high-quality contests between traditional heavyweights and rising challengers.
The winner of the state competitions will face off in the State Championship Final to be played on NRL Grand Final Day (October 5).
2025 Hostplus Cup Grand Final
Burleigh Bears vs Norths Devils
📍 Kayo Stadium
📅 Saturday, September 27 at 4:05pm AEST
📺 Kayo Sports, Foxtel
👨⚖️ Referee: Jarrod Cole | Video Referee: Tyson Brough
Burleigh and Norths meet once again with everything on the line, renewing one of the strongest modern rivalries in the Queensland Cup.
Team News
Burleigh Bears: 1. Creedence Toia, 2. Troy Leo, 3. Nicholas O’Meley, 4. Kea Pere, 5. Mitch Watson, 6. Josh Rogers, 7. Guy Hamilton, 8. Fletcher Baker, 9. Paul Roache, 10. Matthew Koellner, 11. Adam Christensen, 12. Ewan Moore, 13. Sam Coster (c), 14. Cole Geyer, 15. Sami Sauiluma, 16. Takitau Mapapalangi, 17. Kurt De Luis, 18. Lochlyn Sheldon, 19. Bailey Butler, 20. Lorenzo Mulitalo, 21. Jordan Scott, 22. Ryan Jones, 23. Blake Scott, 24. Bailey McConnell
Norths Devils: 1. Matthew Milson, 2. Tony Tumusa, 3. Jordan Lipp, 4. Jacob Gagan, 5. Manase Kaho, 6. Jack Ahearn, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Peter Hola, 9. Kierran Moseley (c), 10. Sebastian Su’a, 11. Jackson Shereb, 12. Kenneath Bromwich, 13. James Flack, 14. Lauloto Salei, 15. Ben Stevanovic, 16. Wyatt Reynolds, 17. Brody Tamarua, 18. Blake Paskins, 19. Sam Elliott, 20. Ben Nakubuwai, 21. Jerome Veve, 22. Zach Brooks, 23. Zac McGuire, 24. Brandon Finnegan
- Burleigh Bears (1st, 17W-4L-1D): unchanged from their Preliminary Final, with Bailey McConnell, Bailey Butler, Blake Scott, Jordan Scott, Lorenzo Mulitalo, and Ryan Jones added to the extended squad.
- Norths Devils (2nd, 17W-5L): also keep faith with their winning line-up, with Ben Stevanovic, Brandon Finnegan, Jerome Veve, Wyatt Reynolds, Zac McGuire, and Zach Brooks named in reserves.
Key Matchups
- Halfbacks: Guy Hamilton (Bears) vs Sean O’Sullivan (Devils) — both experienced playmakers capable of dictating tempo.
- Forward Battle: Fletcher Baker and Matthew Koellner will aim to get Burleigh rolling through the middle, while Norths’ Peter Hola and Sebastian Su’a bring power up front.
- Skippers: Sam Coster (Bears) and Kierran Moseley (Devils) provide steady leadership from the spine.
Recent History
Since 2020, the clubs have clashed in a series of high-stakes encounters, including the 2021 Grand Final, won by Norths 34–16 at Suncorp Stadium. More recently, Burleigh have had the edge, winning both 2025 meetings — a 22–18 Round 16 clash and a 30–22 Week 1 Finals victory.
Head-to-Head Since 2020
- 23/08/25 – Week 1 Finals: Devils 22, Bears 30 (Bishop Park)
- 05/07/25 – Round 16: Devils 18, Bears 22 (UAA Park)
- 09/03/24 – Round 1: Devils 25, Bears 12 (UAA Park)
- 10/06/23 – Round 13: Devils 22, Bears 28 (UAA Park)
- 11/03/23 – Round 1: Devils 24, Bears 30 (Bishop Park)
- 04/09/22 – Week 1 Finals: Devils 20, Bears 19 (UAA Park)
- 24/07/22 – Round 16: Devils 10, Bears 38 (Roma)
- 19/06/22 – Round 12: Devils 18, Bears 54 (UAA Park)
- 03/10/21 – Grand Final: Devils 34, Bears 16 (Suncorp Stadium)
- 09/05/21 – Round 6: Devils 0, Bears 36 (Bishop Park)
2025 Knock On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs New Zealand Warriors
📍 CommBank Stadium
📅 Sunday, September 28 at 3:15pm AEST
📺 Bar TV Sports
👨⚖️ Referee: Damian Brady
The NSW Cup decider sees the high-flying Warriors, minor premiers with just three losses all year, take on a resurgent Dragons outfit that found form at the right time.
Team News
Dragons: 1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Hayden Buchanan, 4. Tyler Peckham-Harris, 5. Jesse Williams, 6. Jonah Glover, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Connor Muhleisen, 10. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 12. Nick Tsougranis, 13. Jacob Webster, 14. Haele Finau, 15. Ryan Hutchinson, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Cyrus Stanley-Traill, 18. Kade Reed, 19. Isaiah Fagalilo, 20. Viliami Fifita, 22. Jarrah Gaia Treweek, 25. Matthew Alhazim
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Setu Tu, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Moala Graham-Taufa, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Luke Hanson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Bunty Afoa, 9. Samuel Healey, 10. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 11. Kayliss Fatialofa, 12. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 13. Kalani Going, 14. Makaia Tafua, 15. Jason Seu Salalilo, 16. Tom Ale, 17. Jett Cleary, 18. Geronimo Doyle, 20. Toby Crosby
- Dragons (2nd, 17W-7L-2D): welcome back key forwards Blake Lawrie and Hame Sele, with several youngsters also named on the extended bench.
- Warriors (1st, 22W-3L-1D): largely unchanged, with only Toby Crosby added to the squad.
Key Matchups
- Playmakers: Lachlan Ilias (Dragons) vs Tanah Boyd (Warriors) — both have NRL experience and will shape the contest with their kicking games.
- X-Factor Fullbacks: Cody Ramsey brings pace and flair for the Dragons, while Taine Tuaupiki has been a standout for the Warriors.
- Middle Battle: Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale form a powerful Warriors engine room against Dragons enforcers Lawrie and Murdoch-Masila.
Recent History
The sides have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years:
- The Dragons claimed a 24–10 win in the 2025 Week 1 Finals, showing defensive steel at Leichhardt Oval.
- The Warriors had previously dominated the head-to-head, including a 40–12 rout in Round 7, 2025 and a 42–12 win in late 2023.
Head-to-Head Since 2020
- 14/09/25 – Week 1 Finals: Dragons 24, Warriors 10 (Leichhardt Oval)
- 02/08/25 – Round 22: Dragons 14, Warriors 14 (WIN Stadium)
- 19/04/25 – Round 7: Dragons 12, Warriors 40 (Go Media Stadium)
- 22/06/24 – Round 16: Dragons 4, Warriors 18 (North Harbour Stadium)
- 20/04/24 – Round 7: Dragons 24, Warriors 26 (Collegians Sporting Complex)
- 26/08/23 – Round 26: Dragons 12, Warriors 42 (Ziems Park)
- 24/06/23 – Round 17: Dragons 18, Warriors 16 (Go Media Stadium)
What’s at Stake
- For the Bears and Devils, it’s about adding another chapter to their finals rivalry, with Burleigh seeking redemption after the 2021 Grand Final loss, while Norths aim to reclaim premiership glory.
- For the Dragons and Warriors, the NSW Cup trophy could be the launching pad for young stars pushing for consistent NRL opportunities.
The Grand Final Weekend Schedule
- Saturday, September 27 (4:05pm AEST): Burleigh Bears vs Norths Devils – Hostplus Cup decider, Kayo Stadium.
- Sunday, September 28 (3:15pm AEST): St George-Illawarra Dragons vs New Zealand Warriors – NSW Cup decider, CommBank Stadium.
Rugby league fans are in for a feast across both states as two trophies go on the line.
