NRL Playoff Picture: Dolphins Chase History Against Roosters as Panthers and Knights Clash in Preliminary Finals

The margin for error is gone. The 2026 NRL Premiership race has narrowed to a brutal final four, setting up a preliminary finals weekend defined by historic firsts and looming dynasties. With the season on the line, the Dolphins, Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, and Newcastle Knights have named their 22-man squads for Week 3 of the finals series.[1][3][4]

The action begins on Friday, September 25, when the Dolphins host their first-ever preliminary final at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:50 p.m. AEST, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as the expansion club attempts to continue its fairytale run against the heavily favored Sydney Roosters.[2][3]

Dolphins coach Justin Holbrook has opted for absolute continuity, naming an unchanged 19-man squad following back-to-back finals victories over the South Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors. The backline remains intact, featuring Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, Jamayne Isaako on the wing, and the halves pairing of Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa orchestrating the attack.[1][2]

The Sydney Roosters arrive in Brisbane with major reinforcements, but their preparation has been anything but seamless. Star halfback Sam Walker returns to the lineup after a month-long absence, providing a critical boost to the Tricolours' premiership hopes.[2][3]

However, illness has swept through the Roosters' camp. Key playmakers James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans—who is notably lining up at five-eighth for Sydney—were ordered to stay away from the club's facilities early in the week to recover. Despite the disruption, both veterans have been named in the starting 13, alongside Billy Smith, who retained his spot in the centres over Savala.[1][2]

On Sunday, September 27, the focus shifts to Accor Stadium in Sydney, where the minor premier Penrith Panthers will face the Newcastle Knights at 4:00 p.m. AEST. The Panthers are eyeing yet another Grand Final appearance and have received a timely influx of returning talent to bolster their push.[3]

Penrith's squad welcomes back Izack Tago, Jack Cogger, and Luke Garner, but the most significant inclusion is halfback Nathan Cleary. Despite ongoing management of a foot injury, Cleary has been named in the number 7 jersey, partnering with Jack Cole in the halves and Dylan Edwards at fullback.[1][2][3]

Standing in Penrith's way is a dangerous Newcastle outfit spearheaded by fullback Kalyn Ponga and five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe. The Knights will rely heavily on their dynamic backline, including Dominic Young and Bradman Best, to dismantle the Panthers' notoriously suffocating defense.[1]

Newcastle's forward rotation will also be critical. NSW Blues back-rower Dylan Lucas, who played 14 minutes in his return from injury last week, remains on the interchange bench but is expected to see increased minutes in the middle of the field to combat Penrith's pack.[2]

The winners of these two blockbuster clashes will punch their tickets to the 2026 NRL Grand Final. For the Dolphins, it represents a chance to complete an unprecedented ascent; for the Panthers, it is another step toward cementing a modern rugby league dynasty.[2][4]