The regular season came to a dramatic conclusion in Round 27, with Penrith claiming the minor premiership after edging out the Warriors on points differential. South Sydney secured a home final with a dominant derby win over the Roosters, while Canberra farewelled Josh Papalii in style and unearthed a potential future star in debutant Coby Black. Elsewhere, the Dolphins extended their winning streak, Melbourne snatched victory from Cronulla in the dying moments, and the finals match-ups for September were locked in.
Round 27
Ladder
Penrith (42, +336) finished first at the end of the 2026 regular season, with the Warriors (42, +310), Dolphins (40, +156) and the Sydney Roosters (38, +118) making up the top four. Cronulla-Sutherland (34, +149), South Sydney (34, +113), Newcastle (34, +42), and North Queensland (32, -84) rounded out the top eight. The qualifying finals are Panthers vs Roosters and Warriors vs Dolphins; the elimination finals are Sharks vs Cowboys and Rabbitohs vs Knights.
Week 1 Finals Schedule
Review
Penrith sealed the minor premiership with a win over the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium. Casey McLean (three) and Thomas Jenkins (two) scored five of the Panthers’ seven tries. Jenkins will share the 2026 Ken Irvine Medal with Alex Johnston (30 tries each). The Tigers threatened an unlikely second half comeback through Jeral Skelton and Solomone Saukuru, but McLean’s second and third tries put the game away. Penrith honoured the late John Farragher OAM with a special jersey based on the 1978 version worn by Farragher. GAME BREAKER: Five first half tries gave Penrith a 26-0 half-time lead.
South Sydney dominated an understrength Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium to seal a home elimination final. The Rabbitohs scored 10 tries (a double to Campbell Graham) against a Roosters side resting nine first graders. Alex Johnston’s first half try saw him reach 30 tries in a season for the third time (2021, 2022, 2026). Rex Bassingthwaighte scored a double for the Roosters. There was another emotional pre-game celebration as Jai Arrow led the Rabbitohs out for his 100th South Sydney game. South Sydney won the Ron Coote Cup on points differential (68-46) and equalled the Roosters on 10 Cup wins since 2007. GAME BREAKER: Trailing 20-4 at half-time, the Roosters cut the margin to 24-14 early in the second half. Then Souths scored five tries in 20 minutes to secure the win.
While the Warriors beat Manly Warringah at Go Media Stadium (with a hat-trick to Taine Tuaupiki), their defensive issues will raise concerns heading into the finals. The Warriors led 24-12 when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scored his second try early in the second half, but Manly came back with three tries in 16 minutes. Reuben Garrick’s double included his 100th try for Manly, while Lehi Hopoate also scored twice. GAME BREAKER: Tuaupiki finished with 18 points (three tries and three goals). His first two tries put the Warriors ahead 16-12 after Manly led 12-4.
Canberra farewelled Josh Papalii with a win over North Queensland at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and unearthed a potential star in Coby Black. The Queenslander scored 26 points (two tries and nine goals), breaking the record for most points on NRL debut. Can Black challenge Ethan Sanders for the Raiders halfback spot next season? Or will Ricky Stuart stick with Ethan Sanders and give Black more time in NSW Cup? Xavier Savage scored a hat-trick, while Papalii scored a farewell try. It’s Canberra’s first win at Queensland Country Bank Stadium since 2020, breaking a five-game losing run. While North Queensland play an elimination final next weekend, conceding eight tries isn’t the ideal preparation. GAME BREAKER: Canberra’s 18-0 lead after 16 minutes was enough, with no repeat of the fadeout against Brisbane.
- Brisbane farewelled Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds with a win over Canterbury-Bankstown at Accor Stadium. The Broncos scored four second-half tries to break a 10-10 tie at half-time.
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a double as the Dolphins came from 14-0 down to beat the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium. Jayden Campbell scored 16 points for the Titans (two tries and four goals).
- Melbourne finished their season with a win over Cronulla-Sutherland at Ocean Protect Stadium. Trailing 20-18 with 90 seconds left, the Storm regathered the goal-line drop out. Melbourne kept the ball alive on the fifth tackle, with Harry Grant flick passing for Trent Loiero to score.
- Tyrell Sloan kicked a two-point field goal as St George Illawarra beat Parramatta at WIN Stadium.
Results
Bulldogs vs Broncos
| Full Time | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20 – 34 Brisbane Broncos |
| Scorers | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20 (Tries: Lachlan Galvin 21′, Enari Tuala 34′, Viliame Kikau 66′, Lachlan Galvin 73′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 22′, 68′) Brisbane Broncos 34 (Tries: Payne Haas 5′, Josiah Karapani 16′, Billy Walters 44′, Ben Hunt 47′, Jordan Riki 50′, Josiah Karapani 55′. Goals: Hayze Perham 7′, 45′, 49′, 52′, 56′) |
| Half-Time | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 – 10 Brisbane Broncos |
| Date | Thursday, 3rd September 2026 |
| Venue | Accor Stadium |
| Players | 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, Josh Curran 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, Thomas Duffy, Va’a Semu, Aublix Tawha |
Titans vs Dolphins
| Full Time | Gold Coast Titans 20 – 24 Dolphins |
| Scorers | Gold Coast Titans 20 (Tries: Jayden Campbell 6′, AJ Brimson 9′, Jayden Campbell 70′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 7′, 11′, 15′ PG, 71′) Dolphins 24 (Tries: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 24′, Herbie Farnworth 27′, Ray Stone 44′, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 47′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 25′, 28′, 46′, 48′) |
| Half-Time | Gold Coast Titans 14 – 12 Dolphins |
| Date | Friday, 4th September 2026 |
| Venue | Cbus Super Stadium |
| Players | Gold Coast Titans: Keano Kini, Siale Faeamani, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Lachlan Ilias, Moeaki Fotuaika, Luke Sommerton, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Kurtis Morrin, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Josh Patston, Klese Haas, Cooper Bai, Sam Verrills, Arama Hau Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Tevita Naufahu, Isaiya Katoa, Thomas Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath, Morgan Knowles, Brian Pouniu, Jake Averillo, Kurt Donoghoe, Ray Stone, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu |
Rabbitohs vs Roosters
| Full Time | South Sydney Rabbitohs 50 – 20 Sydney Roosters |
| Scorers | South Sydney Rabbitohs 50 (Tries: David Fifita 5′, Jayden Sullivan 13′, Alex Johnston 16′, Campbell Graham 32′, Euan Aitken 47′, Cody Walker 56′, Adam Elliott 61′, Campbell Graham 65′, Latrell Mitchell 71′, Brandon Smith 76′. Goals: Latrell Mitchell 14′, 33′, 57′, 62′, 77′) Sydney Roosters 20 (Tries: Daniel Tupou 21′, Rex Bassingthwaighte 50′, Egan Butcher 52′, Rex Bassingthwaighte 78′. Goals: Toby Rodwell 51′, Cody Ramsey 79′) |
| Half-Time | South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 – 4 Sydney Roosters |
| Date | Friday, 4th September 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Players | South Sydney Rabbitohs: Jye Gray, Alex Johnston, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Jayden Sullivan, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Adam Elliott, Cameron Murray, Jai Arrow, Cody Walker, Lachlan Hubner, Sean Keppie, Jamie Humphreys, Euan Aitken Sydney Roosters: Cody Ramsey, Daniel Tupou, Fetalaiga Pauga, Tommy Talau, Rex Bassingthwaighte, Reece Foley, Toby Rodwell, Spencer Leniu, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Connor Watson, Taylor Losalu, Tom Rodwell, De La Salle Va’a, Aston Warwick, Hayden Barton |
Warriors vs Sea Eagles
| Full Time | New Zealand Warriors 31 – 30 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles |
| Scorers | New Zealand Warriors 31 (Tries: Adam Pompey 11′, Taine Tuaupiki 20′, 25′, 67′, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 30′, 45′. Goals: Taine Tuaupiki 22′, 27′, 69′. Field Goal: Chanel Harris-Tavita 77′) Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 (Tries: Reuben Garrick 4′, 64′, Lehi Hopoate 16′, 51′, Josh Feledy 48′. Goals: Jamal Fogarty 6′, 18′, 50′, 52′, 66′) |
| Half-Time | New Zealand Warriors 20 – 12 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles |
| Date | Saturday, 5th September 2026 |
| Venue | Go Media Stadium |
| Players | New Zealand Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Ali Leiataua, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Samuel Healey, Mitchell Barnett, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Taine Tuaupiki, Makaia Tafua, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Morgan Gannon 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, Corey Waddell, Caleb Navale |
Cowboys vs Raiders
| Full Time | North Queensland Cowboys 30 – 50 Canberra Raiders |
| Scorers | North Queensland Cowboys 30 (Tries: Jake Clifford 19′, John Bateman 21′, Scott Drinkwater 44′, Braidon Burns 59′, Jason Taumalolo 71′. Goals: Scott Drinkwater 20′, 23′, 46′, 59′, 72′) Canberra Raiders 50 (Tries: Xavier Savage 10′, 32′, 61′, Kaeo Weekes 12′, Coby Black 14′, 51′, Josh Papalii 29′, Ethan Strange 64′. Goals: Coby Black 11′, 14′, 16′, 30′, 34′, 52′, 63′, 65′, 75′ (PG)) |
| Half-Time | North Queensland Cowboys 12 – 30 Canberra Raiders |
| Date | Saturday, 5th September 2026 |
| Venue | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| Players | North Queensland Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Robert Derby, Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden, Coen Hess, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, John Bateman, Reuben Cotter, Soni Luke, Sam McIntyre, Thomas Mikaele, Kaiden Lahrs Canberra Raiders: Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Coby Black, Josh Papalii, Owen Pattie, Joseph Tapine, Noah Martin, Matthew Nicholson, Ata Mariota, Malachi Smith, Joe Roddy, Morgan Smithies, Vena Patuki-Case |
Sharks vs Storm
| Full Time | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20 – 24 Melbourne Storm |
| Scorers | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20 (Tries: Sione Katoa 31′, Riley Jones 34′, Billy Burns 39′. Goals: Niwhai Puru 32′, 36′, 39′, 60′ (PG)) Melbourne Storm 24 (Tries: Hugo Peel 11′, Sualauvi Faalogo 18′, Alec MacDonald 46′, Trent Loiero 79′. Goals: Nick Meaney 13′, 19′, 48′, 79′) |
| Half-Time | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18 – 12 Melbourne Storm |
| Date | Saturday, 5th September 2026 |
| Venue | Ocean Protect Stadium |
| Players | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Riley Jones, Michael Gabrael, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Riley Pollard, Niwhai Puru, Addin Fonua-Blake, Hohepa Puru, Briton Nikora, Billy Burns, Cameron McInnes, Toby Rudolf, Siosifa Talakai, Oregon Kaufusi, Braden Hamlin-Uele 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, Trent Toelau, Cooper Clarke, Alec MacDonald, Angus Hinchey, Hugo Peel |
Dragons vs Eels
| Full Time | St George Illawarra Dragons 24 – 22 Parramatta Eels |
| Scorers | St George Illawarra Dragons 24 (Tries: Tyrell Sloan 14′, Dylan Egan 26′, Blake Lawrie 56′, Connor Muhleisen 66′. Goals: Kyle Flanagan 15′, 58′, 67′. 2-Point Field Goal: Tyrell Sloan 74′) Parramatta Eels 22 (Tries: Jordan Samrani 1′, 49′, Josh Addo-Carr 17′, Dylan Walker 38′. Goals: Mitchell Moses 3′, 39′, 51′) |
| Half-Time | Parramatta Eels 16 – 10 St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Date | Sunday, 6th September 2026 |
| Venue | WIN Stadium |
| Players | St George Illawarra Dragons: Daniel Atkinson, Mathew Feagai, Moses Suli, Valentine Holmes, Tyrell Sloan, Lyhkan King-Togia, Kyle Flanagan, Toby Couchman, Damien Cook, Blake Lawrie, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga, Connor Muhleisen, Ryan Couchman, Jacob Webster, Setu Tu. Parramatta Eels: Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Jordan Samrani, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Mitchell Moses, Luca Moretti, Tallyn Da Silva, Junior Paulo, Jack Williams, Kitione Kautoga, Saxon Pryke, Sean Russell, Harrison Edwards, Jack De Belin, Teancum Brown, Dylan Walker. |
Panthers vs Tigers
| Full Time | Penrith Panthers 38 – 10 Wests Tigers |
| Scorers | Penrith Panthers 38 (Tries: Brian To’o 6′, Casey McLean 15′, Tom Jenkins 20′, Tom Jenkins 28′, Dylan Edwards 31′, Casey McLean 58′, Casey McLean 64′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 8′, 16′, 32′, 59′, 66′) Wests Tigers 10 (Tries: Jeral Skelton 44′, Solomone Saukuru 50′. Goals: Jock Madden 52′) |
| Half-Time | Penrith Panthers 26 – 0 Wests Tigers |
| Date | Sunday, 6th September 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Penrith Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Tom Jenkins, Luke Garner, Casey McLean, Brian To’o, Jack Cole, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Liam Henry, Isaiah Papali’i, Liam Martin, Lindsay Smith, Luron Patea, Billy Phillips, Billy Scott, Isaah Yeo Wests Tigers: Jahream Bula, Junior Tupou, Solomone Saukuru, Patrick Herbert, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Jock Madden, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Seyfarth, Latu Fainu, Vaka Aho, Ethan Roberts, Heath Mason |
