Panthers handed Cleary boost as NRL avoids AFL’s big day again — Preliminary finals fixtures

The NRL’s final four is locked in after the Roosters smashed the Sharks and the Knights stunned the Warriors in the semi-finals.

Late last week it was confirmed the Dolphins would host their grand final qualifier on Friday September 25 at Suncorp Stadium, facing the Roosters.

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On the other side of the bracket the Panthers will play their prelim at Accor Stadium on the afternoon of Sunday September 27 against Newcastle.

It follows last year’s successful split between a Friday night and Sunday afternoon prelim, with the Broncos backing up from the latter to win the Grand Final seven days later.

The move allows the NRL to avoid the AFL Grand Final which will be played on the afternoon of Saturday September 26, and will feature the Brisbane Lions, drawing the interest of some Queensland-based fans.

It will also give Nathan Cleary as much time as possible to overcome a “stress-related bone issue” in his foot.

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 vs Roosters - Friday September 25, 7:50pm 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.

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.