The race for finals positions and top-four finishes took another dramatic turn in Round 26. The Warriors secured a top-two finish and returned to the top of the ladder, while the Dolphins locked in a coveted top-four spot with a statement victory over the Roosters. South Sydney booked their place in September, North Queensland sealed eighth position, and Parramatta ended Cronulla’s top-four hopes as the finals picture became clearer ahead of the final round.
Round 26
Ladder
The top eight is set for 2026: the New Zealand Warriors (40 points, +309), Penrith (40, +308), The Dolphins (38, +152), and the Sydney Roosters (38, +148) make up the top four. Cronulla-Sutherland (34, +153), South Sydney (32, +83), Newcastle (32, +42), and North Queensland (32, -64) rounded out the top eight. The Dolphins and Rabbitohs moved up, while the Roosters and Knights moved down.
Review
Penrith stayed in top two contention with a win over Canterbury-Bankstown at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers appeared to be preparing for September, with a high completion rate (22/22 in the first half and 38/42 overall), taking points whenever possible (three penalty goals to Nathan Cleary), and two tries to Liam Martin. The Lachlan Galvin-Jacob Preston right edge combination got the Bulldogs within six points with 19 minutes left, before Casey McLean sealed the win for Penrith five minutes later. The Warriors’ win over Newcastle on Sunday secured Penrith’s top two finish. GAME BREAKER: While Penrith scored three tries to Canterbury’s two, Cleary’s six goals from six attempts gave the Panthers enough breathing space.
South Sydney secured their finals spot with a win over the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium. Jai Arrow led Souths out in his 99th Rabbitohs game and was interchanged for Cameron Murray before kick-off. He will reach his 100th game when Souths play the Sydney Roosters next weekend. The Rabbitohs harnessed the emotion for Jai with a 28-0 lead after 26 minutes, including a 70-metre try for David Fifita against his old club at his old home ground. The Titans rallied to trail 32-22 with eight minutes left before Souths scored the last three tries (with a double to Tallis Duncan). Alex Johnston (29 tries) scored Souths’ final try to move ahead of Tom Jenkins (28) in the Ken Irvine Medal. A potentially important part of Souths’ finals hopes, Latrell Mitchell played 30 minutes in his first game back since Round 11. GAME BREAKER: Duncan’s second try put the Titans away in the final minutes, scoring off a Cody Walker kick.
The Dolphins secured a top four spot with a win over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. It was a costly loss for the Roosters: they’ve missed out on a top two spot and they lost Sam Walker for the rest of the season with a high-grade syndesmosis injury. The Dolphins led 20-6 at half-time, with a double to Selwyn Cobbo. GAME BREAKER: Leading 26-6, the Dolphins were briefly down to 11 players in the second half when Thomas Flegler (60th minute) and Morgan Knowles (67th minute) were sin-binned. But they only conceded one try during that period.
The Warriors returned to first place, and sealed a top two finish, after beating Newcastle at Go Media Stadium. While Newcastle led 16-0 after 16 minutes, Jacob Saifiti’s send-off for a high tackle reduced the Knights to 12 for 68 minutes, with the Warriors taking a 22-20 half-time lead. The Warriors extended their lead to 34-20 before a Greg Marzhew double got the Knights within two points. Fletcher Hunt also scored a double for Newcastle. On top of Saifiti’s send off, the Knights lost Francis Manuleleua with an elbow injury. Jett Cleary had three try assists on debut as the Warriors booked two finals in Auckland. After two straight losses, Newcastle finish the regular season with their third bye next weekend. GAME BREAKER: Jacob Laban’s second try sealed the game for the Warriors, running through multiple Newcastle defenders off a Cleary inside ball.
- Melbourne defeated Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, with a hat-trick to Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown and a double to Tyran Wishart. While the new kick-off rule was trialled (allowing the team conceding points to elect to kick off or receive), it didn’t have a major impact on the game.
- Lehi Hopoate and Jason Saab both scored doubles as Manly Warringah beat St George Illawarra at 4 Pines Park.
- Tom Chester scored a double as North Queensland beat the Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The Cowboys secured eighth place, officially eliminating the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles from finals contention.
- Parramatta ended Cronulla-Sutherland’s top four hopes with a win at CommBank Stadium. Tallyn Da Silva scored a double for the Eels.
Results
Broncos vs Storm
| Full Time | Brisbane Broncos 20 – 46 Melbourne Storm |
| Scorers | Brisbane Broncos 20 (Tries: Kotoni Staggs 17′, Ezra Mam 35′, Ben Hunt 49′, Ezra Mam 73′. Goals: Hayze Perham 36′, 74′) Melbourne Storm 46 (Tries: Stefano Utoikamanu 14′, Nick Meaney 21′, Tyran Wishart 26′, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 31′, Tyran Wishart 39′, Sualauvi Faalogo 59′, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 66′, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 79′. Goals: Nick Meaney 15′, 22′, 28′, 33′, 39′, 60′, 67′) |
| Half-Time | Brisbane Broncos 10 – 30 Melbourne Storm |
| Date | Thursday, 27th August 2026 |
| Venue | Suncorp Stadium |
| Players | Brisbane Broncos: Hayze Perham, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner, Grant Anderson, Ezra Mam, Ben Hunt, Xavier Willison, Billy Walters, Payne Haas, Jaiyden Hunt, Jordan Riki, Patrick Carrigan, Blake Mozer, Aublix Tawha, Jack Gosiewski, Va’a Semu Melbourne Storm: Sualauvi Faalogo, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Tyran Wishart, Nick Meaney, Moses Leo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Oryn Keeley, Trent Loiero, Alec MacDonald, Cooper Clarke, Angus Hinchey, Marion Seve |
Sea Eagles vs Dragons
| Full Time | Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 44 – 10 St. George Illawarra Dragons |
| Scorers | Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 44 (Tries: Lehi Hopoate 7′, Jason Saab 16′, 20′, Reuben Garrick 23′, Tom Trbojevic 26′, Josh Feledy 49′, Clayton Faulalo 55′, Haumole Olakau’atu 60′, Lehi Hopoate 73′. Goals: Jamal Fogarty 18′, 22′, 24′, 51′) St. George Illawarra Dragons 10 (Tries: Tyrell Sloan 68′, Mosese Suli 76′. Goals: Valentine Holmes 69′) |
| Half-Time | Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 26 – 0 St. George Illawarra Dragons |
| Date | Friday, 28th August 2026 |
| Venue | 4 Pines Park |
| Players | Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Josh Feledy, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Clayton Faulalo, Jamal Fogarty, Simione Laiafi, Brandon Wakeham, Nathan Brown, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Jake Simpkin, Nicholas Lenaz, Caleb Navale, Onitoni Large St. George Illawarra Dragons: Daniel Atkinson, Mathew Feagai, Mosese Suli, Valentine Holmes, Tyrell Sloan, Lyhkan King-Togia, Kyle Flanagan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Damien Cook, Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Ryan Couchman, Connor Muhleisen, Josh Kerr, Jacob Webster, Blake Lawrie |
Panthers vs Bulldogs
| Full Time | Penrith Panthers 24 – 10 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Scorers | Penrith Panthers 24 (Tries: Liam Martin 7′, 43′, Casey McLean 66′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 8′, 44′, 67′. Penalty Goals: Nathan Cleary 39′, 54′, 64′) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 (Tries: Matt Burton 24′, Jacob Preston 59′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 61′) |
| Half-Time | Penrith Panthers 8 – 4 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| Date | Friday, 28th August 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Penrith Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Tom Jenkins, Izack Tago, Casey McLean, Brian To’o, Jack Cole, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Freddy Lussick, Liam Henry, Isaiah Papali’i, Liam Martin, Lindsay Smith, Billy Scott, Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner, Billy Phillips Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Bronson Xerri, Enari Tuala, Stephen Crichton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon, Jake Turpin, Alekolasimi Jones, Harry Hayes, Cooper Toy |
Titans vs Rabbitohs
| Full Time | Gold Coast Titans 22 – 42 South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Scorers | Gold Coast Titans 22 (Tries: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 30′, Oliver Pascoe 47′, Siale Faeamani 53′, AJ Brimson 71′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 32′, 48′, 72′) South Sydney Rabbitohs 42 (Tries: Cameron Murray 2′, 25′, Keaon Koloamatangi 13′, Euan Aitken 18′, David Fifita 20′, Tallis Duncan 70′, 76′, Alex Johnston 79′. Goals: Jayden Sullivan 3′, 14′, 20′, 26′, Latrell Mitchell 77′) |
| Half-Time | Gold Coast Titans 6 – 28 South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Date | Saturday, 29th August 2026 |
| Venue | Cbus Super Stadium |
| Players | Gold Coast Titans: Keano Kini, Jaylan De Groot, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Lachlan Ilias, Klese Haas, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Josh Patston, Kurtis Morrin, Cooper Bai, Siale Faeamani, Moeaki Fotuaika, Chris Randall, Bodhi Sharpley, Arama Hau South Sydney Rabbitohs: Matt Dufty, Alex Johnston, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Jayden Sullivan, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Jai Arrow, Cameron Murray, Lachlan Hubner, Sean Keppie, Jamie Humphreys, Latrell Mitchell |
Roosters vs Dolphins
| Full Time | Sydney Roosters 12 – 26 Dolphins |
| Scorers | Sydney Roosters 12 (Tries: Robert Toia 5′, Salesi Foketi 68′. Goals: Sam Walker 7′, Hugo Savala 69′) Dolphins 26 (Tries: Herbie Farnworth 20′, Selwyn Cobbo 29′, 33′, Max Plath 38′, Jeremy Marshall-King 47′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 22′, 39′, 49′) |
| Half-Time | Sydney Roosters 6 – 20 Dolphins |
| Date | Saturday, 29th August 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Players | Sydney Roosters: James Tedesco, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Salesi Foketi, Siua Wong, Nat Butcher, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Egan Butcher, Tommy Talau Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Thomas Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Ray Stone, Francis Molo, Kurt Donoghoe |
Cowboys vs Tigers
| Full Time | North Queensland Cowboys 24 – 10 Wests Tigers |
| Scorers | North Queensland Cowboys 24 (Tries: Tom Chester 6′, 78′; Heilum Luki 53′; Jaxon Purdue 58′. Goals: Scott Drinkwater 7′, 22′ (Penalty Goal), 55′, 60′) Wests Tigers 10 (Tries: Jeral Skelton 11′; Junior Tupou 30′. Goals: Jock Madden 12′) |
| Half-Time | North Queensland Cowboys 8 – 10 Wests Tigers |
| Date | Saturday, 29th August 2026 |
| Venue | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Players | North Queensland Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Zac Laybutt, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Griffin Neame, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Soni Luke, Thomas Mikaele, Coen Hess, Ethan King Wests Tigers: Jahream Bula, Junior Tupou, Solomone Saukuru, Patrick Herbert, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Jock Madden, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Tony Sukkar, Alex Seyfarth, Heath Mason, Sione Fainu, Ethan Roberts, Bunty Afoa |
Warriors vs Knights
| Full Time | Warriors 46 – 32 Newcastle Knights |
| Scorers | Warriors 46 (Tries: Jacob Laban 18′, 76′; Wayde Egan 22′; Erin Clark 26′; Demitric Vaimauga 35′; Ali Leiataua 42′; Adam Pompey 51′; Alofiana Khan-Pereira 62′. Goals: Taine Tuaupiki 23′, 27′, 36′, 44′, 52′, 63′, 77′) Newcastle Knights 32 (Tries: Fletcher Hunt 4′, 39′; Francis Manuleleua 9′; Jermaine McEwen 14′; Greg Marzhew 54′, 57′. Goals: Sandon Smith 11′, 16′, 56′, 58′) |
| Half-Time | Warriors 22 – 20 Newcastle Knights |
| Date | Sunday, 30th August 2026 |
| Venue | Go Media Stadium |
| Players | Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Luke Laulilii, Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Luke Hanson, Jett Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Samuel Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Adam Pompey Newcastle Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Hunt, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Jacob Saifiti, Harrison Graham, Trey Mooney, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Thomas Cant, Cody Hopwood, Lachlan Crouch, Pasami Saulo |
Eels vs Sharks
| Full Time | Parramatta Eels 38 – 18 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| Scorers | Parramatta Eels 38 (Tries: Te Hurinui Twidle 1′, Will Penisini 5′, Mitchell Moses 29′, Ronald Volkman 34′, Tallyn Da Silva 75′, 79′. Goals: Mitchell Moses 2′, 6′, 14′ PG, 31′, 36′, 76′; Sean Russell 80′) Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18 (Tries: Sione Katoa 23′, Blayke Brailey 56′, Sione Katoa 62′. Goals: Nicho Hynes 25′, 39′ PG, 57′) |
| Half-Time | Parramatta Eels 26 – 8 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| Date | Sunday, 30th August 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Parramatta Eels: Te Hurinui Twidle, Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Luca Moretti, Tallyn Da Silva, Junior Paulo, Jack Williams, Kitione Kautoga, Saxon Pryke, Harrison Edwards, Ryda Talagi, Teancum Brown, Dylan Walker Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Mawene Hiroti, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Niwhai Puru, Nicho Hynes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Jesse Colquhoun, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton, Cameron McInnes, Siosifa Talakai, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Thomas Hazelton |
