Minor Premiership at Stake
The 2026 NRL regular season enters its final round this weekend, with the race for the minor premiership set to be decided in the concluding match of the fixture list. While the top eight teams are confirmed, the final ladder positions and subsequent week one finals pairings remain fluid, according to reporting by Fox Sports.
The Warriors and Penrith Panthers currently sit level on 40 competition points. The Warriors hold a narrow advantage in for-and-against (+309 to +308). Andrew Webster’s Warriors side will host the Sea Eagles, aiming to secure a win and maintain their point differential. The Panthers, playing in the final game of the round against the Tigers, will know exactly what is required to clinch the top spot.
This report draws on information published by foxsports.com.au and theaustralian.com.au.
Locked Positions and Finals Matchups
While the minor premiership remains contested, several positions in the top eight are already secured. The Dolphins are guaranteed third place, while the Sydney Roosters are locked into fourth. Both teams will face either the Warriors or the Panthers in their qualifying finals.
The Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs are both on 34 points, with the Sharks currently holding fifth and the Rabbitohs sixth. The Sharks face a difficult test against Melbourne, but hold a significantly superior for-and-against record, meaning they would likely only drop to sixth in the event of a heavy loss. The Newcastle Knights are guaranteed seventh place after recent results, while the North Queensland Cowboys are confirmed to finish eighth, setting up a likely elimination clash against the Sharks.
Week One Finals Projections
Per the Fox Sports Lab projections, the opening week of the finals series is expected to feature the following matchups:
- Penrith Panthers (1st) vs. Sydney Roosters (4th)
- Warriors (2nd) vs. Dolphins (3rd)
- Cronulla Sharks (5th) vs. North Queensland Cowboys (8th)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs (6th) vs. Newcastle Knights (7th)
The final round results will confirm the exact schedule for the opening week of the finals, with teams now finalizing their preparations for the high-stakes postseason.