The 2026 NRL finals series features two matches: a qualifying final in Auckland between the New Zealand Warriors and Dolphins, with the winner advancing to host a grand final qualifier, and an elimination final in Sydney where the Cronulla Sharks host the North Queensland Cowboys at Sydney Football Stadium.
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The 2026 NRL finals series is underway, with teams competing for a chance to reach the grand final.
Good afternoon, Australia.
Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 NRL finals series.
Today, two finals matches are on the card.
Firstly, we head to Auckland for a qualifying final between the New Zealand Warriors and the Dolphins.
The winner will advance to the third week of the finals and host a grand final qualifier, while the loser gets a second chance next week.
Later, the Cronulla Sharks have a home game at the Sydney Football Stadium, not Shark Park, in an elimination final against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters has formally requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs, stating his desire to return home to Victoria. The 25-year-old dual All-Australian, who previously sought free agency in August, has nominated the Bulldogs as his preferred club. The Bulldogs confirmed they will work with Port Adelaide to facilitate a suitable outcome during the upcoming player movement period.
Newcastle Knights secured a 20-10 victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs in a rugby league final, marking their first away finals win in 13 years. Key performers included Jermaine McEwan, Francis Manuleleua, and Dane Gagai, while Cody Walker's early calf injury hampered South Sydney's efforts.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in the US Open semifinals to reach his second Grand Slam final of the year, setting up a match against either Ben Shelton or Frances Tiafoe. Zverev expressed hope that he would not end the American men's Grand Slam title drought, which dates back to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open win. The German player, who won the French Open earlier in 2024, reflected on his past struggles and near-misses, including his 2020 US Open final loss to Dominic Thiem. The Shelton-Tiafoe semifinal was noted as a high-profile match occurring on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers finished second at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, clearing 1.95m to earn $75,000 โ $5,000 more than her world title win last year โ after Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh won with 1.99m. Olyslagers said she was surprised by the payout, having expected much less for second place.
Australia's Wallaroos express quiet confidence ahead of their WXV Global Series Test against reigning champions England, who hold a 38-match winning streak and are overwhelming favourites, despite acknowledging England's benchmark status in women's rugby development.
Fremantle Dockers defeated Geelong Cats 120-106 in an AFL semi-final, overcoming a third-quarter deficit with strong performances from Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, and Patrick Voss to keep their premiership hopes alive and advance to a preliminary final against Sydney Swans.