The final game of the regular season could have major implications at the top of the ladder as Penrith chase the minor premiership against a Tigers side eager to finish its campaign on a positive note. The Panthers have found their best form at the right time and will be looking to build momentum heading into the finals, while the Tigers are determined to send their departing stars and supporters into the off-season with a strong performance. With Tom Jenkins chasing the Ken Irvine Medal and Penrith still playing for silverware, there is plenty at stake despite the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs.

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Matchday Details

Sunday 6 September 2026 – 4:05pm (AEST) – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Penrith Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Thomas Jenkins, 3. Luke Garner, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jack Cole, 7. Nathan Cleary (c), 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Liam Henry, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Lindsay Smith, 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Luron Patea, 17. Billy Phillips, 18. Blaize Talagi, 19. Billy Scott, 20. Kalani Leuluai-Going, 21. Jesse McLean, 22. Isaah Yeo, 23. John Farragher.

Wests Tigers: 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. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu, 12. Sione Fainu, 13. Alex Seyfarth, 14. Latu Fainu, 15. Vaka Aho, 16. Ethan Roberts, 17. Bunty Afoa, 18. Heath Mason, 19. Sunia Turuva, 20. Tristan Hope, 21. Charlie Murray, 22. Faaletino Tavana

Match Preview

The final game of Round 27 and the regular season kicks off on Sunday at CommBank Stadium, with the finals-bound Panthers taking on a Tigers side playing for pride in their jersey.

The Panthers sit second and need a big win to give themselves the best chance at securing the minor premiership. Last week they were clinical in their 24-10 win over the Bulldogs. The Tigers, on the other hand, sit in 14th and are coming off a tough 24-10 loss to the Cowboys last week.

For the Panthers, they’ve opted against resting their stars. Isaah Yeo is named in the reserves as he looks to return from a pectoral injury. Mitch Kenny returns at hooker, which sees Freddy Lussick move to the bench. Izack Tago is out with a knee injury and is replaced by Luke Garner at centre. Luron Patea returns to the bench. There’s also a special tribute for the late John Farragher OAM, who is named in jersey 23. The Panthers are wearing a Special Event jersey to celebrate his lifelong impact to the Panthers community.

For the Tigers, Latu Fainu returns on the bench for his first game since Round 20. Vaka Aho is named to make his NRL debut off the bench. Sione Fainu replaces Tony Sukkar, who’s out with delayed concussion symptoms.

The key for the Panthers is sticking to the disciplined style of footy that’s worked for them the past few weeks. They’ve found their finals mojo with clinical displays against the Storm and Bulldogs in recent weeks. The return of Dylan Edwards has been a huge help, not only to their fluidity in attack but to their defensive structures. With Kenny returning for this game, their starting spine is back together and they’ll be looking to test the Tigers all over the park to tune-up their attack. In the back of their minds will be Tom Jenkins’ race to be Ken Irvine Medallist this season as top try-scorer. He’s currently on 28 tries (one behind Alex Johnston with 29), so expect the Panthers to go left often and give Jenkins plenty of scoring opportunities.

The key for the Tigers will be turning up with intensity like they have the past few weeks. Once again they find themselves in a game where no one expects them to win, much like the Roosters game two weeks ago where they caused an unlikely upset. They need to use this underdog mentality as fuel. It’s their last game of the season, and Jarome Luai’s last game in Tigers colours. Benji will have them ready to finish the year with pride and on a high note. If they’re going to go toe-to-toe with the Panthers for 80 minutes, their defensive resolve has to be there from the first minute. If they start slow and fail to match the finals intensity that the Panthers will bring, they could be in for a long afternoon.

The Panthers have won six of their last seven games against the Tigers. Terrell May plays his 100th NRL game.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Panthers by 18.
Full Round 27 tips → /nrl-round-27-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Tom Jenkins scores a hat-trick to claim the Ken Irvine Medal.

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Brendan Wood

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