NRL confirms Week 1 finals schedule for September 2026

The NRL has finalized the schedule for the first week of the 2026 finals series. Action begins on September 11 with the South Sydney Rabbitohs facing the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium. The following day, the New Zealand Warriors host The Dolphins at Mt Smart Stadium, while the Cronulla Sharks play the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium. Minor premiers Penrith Panthers will conclude the opening week on September 13 against the Sydney Roosters at Commbank Stadium. Due to stadium availability, the Cronulla Sharks are forced to shift their home elimination final to Allianz Stadium rather than the Shire. This schedule marks the second consecutive year where the minor premiers have not opened the finals series.

• 8:05 AMZero Tackle NRL — NRL finals Week 1 schedule confirmed: Full fixtures, venues, kick-off times