‘Big advantage’ as Roosters book their spot in decider: Full NRL Grand Final Schedule

The first team in the 2026 NRL grand final is locked in after the Sydney Roosters outclassed the Dolphins to book their spot in next Sunday’s decider at Accor Stadium.

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Now the Roosters await their opponent, with the Penrith Panthers favourites to beat the Newcastle Knights and return to the biggest stage in rugby league.

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The Roosters will get what Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters called a “big advantage” as they rest up for an extra two days, with Penrith and Newcastle facing off on Sunday.

See the 2026 NRL finals fixtures, plus see how the NRL finals system works below. All times AEST.

WEEK 1 – QUALIFYING AND ELIMINATION FINALS – SEPTEMBER 11-13

Second Elimination Final: Rabbitohs (6th) def by Knights (7th) 10-20 at Allianz Stadium

Second Qualifying Final: Warriors (2nd) def by Dolphins (3rd) 16-26 at Go Media Stadium

First Elimination Final: Sharks (5th) def Cowboys (8th) 26-16 at Allianz Stadium

First Qualifying Final: Panthers (1st) def Roosters (4th) 19-12 at CommBank Stadium

WEEK 2 – SEMI FINALS – SEPTEMBER 19-20

First Semi Final: Roosters def Sharks 46-10 at Allianz Stadium

Second Semi Final: Warriors def by Knights 10-12 at Eden Park

WEEK 3 – PRELIMINARY FINALS – SEPTEMBER 25-27

Second Preliminary Final: Dolphins def by Roosters 36-20 at Suncorp Stadium

First Preliminary Final: Panthers vs Knights - Sunday September 27, 4pm at Accor Stadium

Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final

Sunday October 4, 7:30pm at Accor Stadium

WHEN IS THE NRL GRAND FINAL?

The NRL finals series gets underway on Friday September 11.

The 2026 NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday October 4 at 7:30pm from Accor Stadium.

1.20pm: State Championship Grand Final

HOW THE NRL FINALS SYSTEM WORKS

The winners of the two qualifying finals advance to host the two preliminary finals, while two teams are eliminated each week until the Grand Final.

The loser of the First Qualifying Final (1st vs 4th) hosts the winner of the First Elimination Final (5th vs 8th) in the First Semi Final.

The loser of the Second Qualifying Final (2nd vs 3rd) hosts the winner of the Second Elimination Final (6th vs 7th) in the Second Semi Final.

The winner of the First Qualifying Final (1st vs 4th) hosts the winner of the Second Semi Final (2nd, 3rd, 6th or 7th) in the First Preliminary Final.

The winner of the Second Qualifying Final (2nd vs 3rd) hosts the winner of the First Semi Final (1st, 4th, 5th or 8th) in the Second Preliminary Final.

The winners of the two Preliminary Finals face off in the NRL Grand Final.