NRL confirms 2026 preliminary finals schedule

The NRL has confirmed the schedule for the 2026 preliminary finals, a lineup that includes a significant recovery advantage for one potential Grand Finalist.

The first preliminary final will take place on Friday, September 25, at Suncorp Stadium, featuring the Dolphins against the winner of the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks semi-final. The second match is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, at Accor Stadium, where the minor premiers, Penrith Panthers, will face the winner of the Warriors and Newcastle Knights semi-final.

Due to the staggered scheduling, the winner of the Friday night match will have approximately nine days of rest before the Grand Final on October 4, while the Sunday winner will have only seven days. This 48-hour difference in recovery and preparation time has become a point of contention within the league's scheduling structure.