Fri 25 Sep 2026
7:50 PM AEST
Full timeRugby league · Australia
NRL Finals Week 3 2026: Preliminary Finals Draw & Results
2 matches across 25 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 (Sydney dates). All matches have finished.
Preliminary finals — 2026
2026 NRL finals · Times in Sydney · 2 matches in this selection
Dolphins v Sydney Roosters — Preliminary Final: 2nd v 3rd winner's path
Dolphins
Sydney RoostersThe path: Winner of 2nd v 3rd v Semi-final winner from the 1st / 4th / 5th / 8th path.
Roosters: Advanced to the Grand Final. Dolphins: Eliminated.
Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights — Preliminary Final: 1st v 4th winner's path
Sun 27 Sep 2026
4:00 PM AEST
Full time
Penrith Panthers
Newcastle KnightsThe path: Winner of 1st v 4th v Semi-final winner from the 2nd / 3rd / 6th / 7th path.
Knights: Advanced to the Grand Final. Panthers: Eliminated.
Who reaches the Grand Final?
Road to the preliminary finals
Each preliminary final pairs a qualifying-final winner, returning from a week off, with a semi-final winner. Both winners advance to the Grand Final; both losers are eliminated.
Preliminary finals are Week 3 matches. The NRL's semi-finals were played in Week 2.
Preliminary Final: 1st v 4th winner's path
Knights: Advanced to the Grand Final. Panthers: Eliminated.
Earlier results on this path
WarriorsPreliminary Final: 2nd v 3rd winner's path
Roosters: Advanced to the Grand Final. Dolphins: Eliminated.
Earlier results on this path
Cronulla-Sutherland SharksFinals Week 3 FAQs
What is the 2026 NRL Finals Week 3 draw?
2 matches across 25 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 (Sydney dates). All matches have finished.
Are semi-finals and preliminary finals the same?
No. NRL semi-finals take place in Week 2, with six teams still in contention including the two qualifying-final winners having a week off. Preliminary finals take place in Week 3 with four teams remaining. The preliminary-final winners reach the Grand Final.
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 3 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.