The 2026 NRL Finals Series is down to four teams, with two Preliminary Finals deciding who will play for the premiership in the NRL Grand Final.
The Dolphins host the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night as they attempt to reach the first Grand Final in club history. On Sunday, minor premiers Penrith Panthers face the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium, with Newcastle now just one win away from their first Grand Final appearance in 25 years.
Below you'll find our 2026 NRL Preliminary Finals tips, predictions and betting previews, with links to our full match analysis and best bets as they're published.
2026 NRL Preliminary Finals
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 7:50pm AEST
DOLPHINS v ROOSTERS
SUNCORP STADIUM
Dolphins ($1.63) vs Roosters ($2.37)
Line: Dolphins -3.5
Points: 45.5
FULL PREVIEW (coming soon)
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 4:00pm AEST
PANTHERS v KNIGHTS
ACCOR STADIUM
Panthers ($1.28) vs Knights ($3.70)
Line: Panthers -10.5
Points: 42.5
FULL PREVIEW (coming soon)
WIN → GRAND FINAL | LOSE → SEASON OVER
2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Tips & Predictions
Four teams remain in the race for the 2026 NRL Premiership. Penrith and the Dolphins earned a week off after winning their Qualifying Finals, while the Roosters and Knights have survived sudden-death football to reach the final four.
Preliminary Final
Dolphins v Sydney Roosters
Friday 25 September, 7:50pm AEST | Suncorp Stadium
The Dolphins are one victory away from a maiden NRL Grand Final when they host the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The Dolphins earned the valuable week off with their 26-16 Qualifying Final victory over the Warriors in Auckland. After trailing 12-8 at half-time, the Dolphins took control during the second half to book a home Preliminary Final.
The Roosters have taken the longer route. After falling 19-12 to Penrith in Week 1, they responded emphatically in their sudden-death Semi Final against Cronulla, running away with a 46-10 victory over the Sharks.
That sets up an intriguing clash between a Dolphins side coming off a week's rest and a Roosters team carrying momentum from a dominant Semi Final performance.
We'll break down the latest head-to-head odds, line market, total points and our best bets in the full match preview.
READ FULL PREVIEW (coming soon) →
Preliminary Final
Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights
Sunday 27 September, 4:00pm AEST | Accor Stadium
Minor premiers Penrith return from their week off to face Newcastle at Accor Stadium on Sunday, with a place in the 2026 NRL Grand Final on the line.
The Panthers advanced directly to the Preliminary Finals after beating the Roosters 19-12 in a tight Qualifying Final, giving Penrith the benefit of a week off before their seventh consecutive Preliminary Final appearance.
Newcastle have already survived two elimination games. The Knights knocked South Sydney out in Week 1 before travelling to Auckland and defeating the Warriors 12-10 at Eden Park to keep their season alive.
The Knights now face their biggest challenge of the finals against the minor premiers, while Penrith will be looking to turn their week off and home-state advantage into another Grand Final appearance.
Our full match preview will cover the latest betting odds, line and total markets, team news and our best bets for Panthers v Knights.
READ FULL PREVIEW (coming soon) →
What Happens Next?
There are no second chances in the Preliminary Finals.
The winner of Dolphins v Roosters will meet the winner of Panthers v Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final. For the two losing teams, the season is over.
2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Betting Tips
Before You Bet will have full betting previews for both Preliminary Finals, including the latest odds, team news, key matchups and our best bets as the markets develop throughout the week.
Check back before kick-off for our final NRL Preliminary Finals predictions and betting tips, or visit our NRL betting tips section for all of our latest NRL analysis.
