Two of the NRL’s most dangerous attacking teams will go head-to-head to launch the 2026 finals series, with a preliminary final berth remaining within reach for the winner. The Rabbitohs enter September in red-hot form behind a lethal left-edge attack, while Newcastle’s resurgence under Justin Holbrook has transformed the Knights into one of the competition’s most exciting teams. With representative talent across the park and plenty of points expected, this elimination final shapes as one of the most entertaining matches of Week 1.
Read Full Previews
- Rabbitohs vs Knights → rabbitohs-vs-knights-week-1-finals-preview-2026
- Warriors vs Dolphins → warriors-vs-dolphins-week-1-finals-preview-2026
- Sharks vs Cowboys → sharks-vs-cowboys-week-1-finals-preview-2026
- Panthers vs Roosters → panthers-vs-roosters-week-1-finals-preview-2026
Matchday Details
11th September 2026 – 7:50 PM (AEST) – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew 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. Jamie Humphreys, 18. Adam Elliott, 19. Latrell Siegwalt, 20. Liam Le Blanc, 21. Talanoa Penitani, 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Newcastle Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga (c), 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe, 7. Sandon Smith, 8. Tyson Frizell, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Cody Hopwood, 11. Jermaine McEwen, 12. Francis Manuleleua, 13. Mat Croker, 14. Harrison Graham, 15. Lachlan Crouch, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Thomas Cant, 18. Fletcher Hunt, 19. Toby Winter, 20. Kyle McCarthy, 21. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, 22. Diesel Hagan
Match Preview
Friday night’s clash between these two outstanding attacking sides promises to be the perfect way to kick off the NRL finals series. The last two times these sides have taken the field, they’ve combined for a staggering 130 points, setting the stage for what could be another high-scoring thriller.
Newcastle have been the fairytale story of the 2026 season, and coach Justin Holbrook deserves plenty of credit for the way he has transformed this Knights side. Their attack has been firing on all cylinders, with Newcastle proving they can create opportunities from anywhere on the field.
While the Rabbitohs possess a lethal left edge, the Knights have dangerous attacking weapons on both sides of the park. Dom Young has been outstanding on the right edge, crossing for 20 tries, while Greg Marzhew has been just as damaging on the left with 24 tries to his name. With threats on either side of the field, South Sydney will need to be prepared for Newcastle to attack from all angles.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs enter the finals full of confidence after a dominant 30-point victory over arch-rivals the Roosters. With momentum firmly on their side, South Sydney will be looking to carry that form into Friday night and make a statement as the finals series gets underway.
The Bunnies have been in a hot string of form, winning four of their last five games, and are heading into the finals on fire; although if the Rabbitohs are going to go far in this finals series they have to remain switched on for the entire 80 minutes, as over the last couple of weeks they have almost let a winnable lead slip.
The in-form Tallis Duncan returns to the home side in the second row, with Adam Elliott moving onto the six-man bench to cover for the injured Euan Aitken, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Matt Dufty also returns to the starting side at fullback, with Jye Gray shifting back to the interchange bench at No. 14.
Young and Tyson Frizell both return from suspension and slot straight back into their respective positions. Phoenix Crossland also returns at hooker, while Francis Manuleleua has been named in the squad despite dislocating his elbow just a fortnight ago.
Cody Hopwood moves into the starting front row with Trey Mooney ruled out for the remainder of the season. Harrison Graham and Fletcher Hunt will both shift back to the interchange bench.
The battle between the two attacking spines could ultimately decide where this game is won and lost. South Sydney’s left edge, featuring Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Dufty, Latrell Mitchell, and Duncan, poses an enormous attacking threat and will be extremely difficult for the Knights to contain.
It will be fascinating to see how Newcastle defend against one of the most dangerous left-side attacking combinations in the competition, with the Rabbitohs’ key playmakers combining for an incredible 66 tries this season. With so many players capable of creating something out of nothing, the Knights will have their work cut out for them defensively.
Meanwhile, the Knights’ backline has been one of the most surprising attacking phenomena of the 2026 season. If Newcastle are going to pull off the upset, their main man will undoubtedly be fullback Kalyn Ponga, who has been at the heart of their attacking brilliance throughout the year.
Ponga’s combinations with Fletcher Sharpe, Young, Marzhew, and Bradman Best have been thrilling to watch, with the Knights boasting plenty of strike across the park. Holbrook’s side will be hoping to put together another attacking masterclass as they look to cause a massive upset and continue their remarkable 2026 campaign.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Rabbitohs by 4.
Week 1 Finals tips → /nrl-week-1-finals-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Newcastle to be leading in the first half and the Rabbitohs to turn their second half woes around and take the win.
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Related
- Full Week 1 Finals coverage → /week-1-finals/
- NRL Week 1 Finals Team Lists → /nrl-team-lists-week-1-finals-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
- NRL Round 27 Review → /nrl-round-27-review-2026/
