Fri 11 Sep 2026
7:50 PM AEST
Full timeRugby league · Australia
NRL Finals Week 1 2026: Qualifying & Elimination Finals
4 matches across 11 Sep 2026 – 13 Sep 2026 (Sydney dates). All matches have finished.
Qualifying and elimination finals — 2026
2026 NRL finals · Times in Sydney · 4 matches in this selection
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights — Elimination Final: 6th v 7th
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Newcastle KnightsKnights: Advanced to Week 2 against the 2nd v 3rd loser. Rabbitohs: Eliminated.
Australian coverage for this match: Official NRL broadcast details.
Warriors v Dolphins — Qualifying Final: 2nd v 3rd
Sat 12 Sep 2026
4:05 PM AEST
Full time
Warriors
DolphinsGo Media Stadium
At the ground: Sat 12 Sep, 6:05 PM NZST
Australian TV: Nine / 9Now, Fox League / Kayo
Match detailsDolphins: Advanced to Week 3 with a week off. Warriors: Received a second chance in Week 2 against the 6th v 7th winner.
Australian coverage for this match: Official NRL broadcast details.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys — Elimination Final: 5th v 8th
Sat 12 Sep 2026
7:50 PM AEST
Full timeFinals Week 1
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
North Queensland Cowboys26 – 16Half-time: 12 – 6 (home – away)
Sharks: Advanced to Week 2 against the 1st v 4th loser. Cowboys: Eliminated.
Australian coverage for this match: Official NRL broadcast details.
Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters — Qualifying Final: 1st v 4th
Sun 13 Sep 2026
4:05 PM AEST
Full time
Penrith Panthers
Sydney RoostersPanthers: Advanced to Week 3 with a week off. Roosters: Received a second chance in Week 2 against the 5th v 8th winner.
Australian coverage for this match: Official NRL broadcast details.
Who advances from Week 1?
Why the top four get a second chance
Qualifying-final winners skip Week 2 and host a preliminary final. Qualifying-final losers get another chance in a Week 2 semi-final. Elimination-final winners also reach Week 2; the losing teams are out.
Qualifying Final: 1st v 4th
Panthers: Advanced to Week 3 with a week off. Roosters: Received a second chance in Week 2 against the 5th v 8th winner.
Qualifying Final: 2nd v 3rd
Dolphins: Advanced to Week 3 with a week off. Warriors: Received a second chance in Week 2 against the 6th v 7th winner.
Elimination Final: 5th v 8th
Sharks: Advanced to Week 2 against the 1st v 4th loser. Cowboys: Eliminated.
Elimination Final: 6th v 7th
Knights: Advanced to Week 2 against the 2nd v 3rd loser. Rabbitohs: Eliminated.
Finals Week 1 FAQs
What is the 2026 NRL Finals Week 1 draw?
4 matches across 11 Sep 2026 – 13 Sep 2026 (Sydney dates). All matches have finished.
Which teams get a second chance?
Only teams that finish in the top four and lose their Week 1 qualifying final receive a second chance, in Week 2. Qualifying-final winners skip Week 2. From Week 2 onwards, every final is sudden death.
Who hosts NRL finals?
In Week 1, teams placed first, second, fifth and sixth receive hosting rights. The qualifying-final losers host in Week 2, and qualifying-final winners host in Week 3. Hosting rights do not guarantee a club's usual home ground: check the confirmed venue for each match. The Grand Final uses the announced Grand Final venue.
Are the scores live?
No. Full-time scores appear once confirmed here. Select Completed for the latest results first, or Upcoming for future confirmed kick-offs. Check the official NRL match centre for the latest match information.
Source: Official 2026 Week 1 guide. Match information checked 30 October 2026.
Progression follows the NRL top-eight finals paths; current venues come from the season's confirmed fixtures.
Fixtures and ladder: NRL.com. Scores are not live. Check the official match page for changes before making travel plans.