Sam Walker passed fit for Roosters as teams prepare for NRL grand final berth at Lang Park.
Sam Walker is named at halfback for the Roosters after overcoming a syndesmosis injury ahead of the NRL clash against the Dolphins at a sold-out Lang Park with a grand final berth on the line.
AI-generated summary
Dolphins and Roosters face off for an NRL grand final berth at a sold-out Lang Park.
We're on - Sam Walker will line up at halfback for the Roosters after being passed fit to play despite his syndesmosis injury.
No changes at all for the Roosters from the team named on Tuesday and just one for the Dolphins with Tevita Naufahu dropping out of the 19-man squad and Jake Averillo coming in.
Hey everybody, I hope this Friday finds you in a finals footy kind of mood cause we're fixing for a big one here tonight.
Dolphins vs Roosters, a berth in the NRL grand final on the line, a sold out Lang Park - this is why we do it. This is what it's all for.
My name is Nick, I am champing at the bit for these two teams to lay it on the line and I'm gonna steer you through every step of the game including all the news and info that's fit to blog.
Let's go!
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Thousands of fans gathered at Melbourne Park for the AFL Grand Final parade ahead of the Brisbane Lions versus Fremantle Dockers match, with Brisbane aiming for a historic three-peat and Fremantle seeking its first premiership since 2013, amid fan journeys, player debuts, and nostalgic performances.
Denis Keeffe, former North Queensland Cowboys CEO, supports the joint Toowoomba-Rockhampton Queensland heartland bid for an NRL expansion team, citing the region's talent pool and existing blueprint from a 2009 bid, as the NRL prepares to announce its 20th club by Christmas for a 2029 entry.
Fremantle Dockers have overcome years of struggle to reach the AFL Grand Final, built on resilient defence, overlooked players, and strong team unity, facing Brisbane Lions in a bid to end a 30-year premiership drought.
Ray Stone, NRL forward for the Dolphins, announced his retirement at age 29 after the 2026 season, citing family time and personal goals. Coach Kristian Woolf praised his toughness, commitment, and legacy of playing through injury, including a broken hand and shoulder issues. Stone played 81 games for the Dolphins after starting at Parramatta, scoring eight tries and earning respect for his discipline and work ethic.
Ah Nee Nwe, a first-generation Karen teenager born to Myanmar refugees, starred as best on ground in Nhill Tigers' under-14s grand final victory over Ararat, ending a 28-year premiership drought. The win highlights the integration of Karen families in Nhill since 2010, with over 35 local businesses employing Karen residents and growing youth participation in Australian Rules football.