The 2026 NRL Finals are heating up, and the race for the premiership is down to just six teams.
After the opening week of finals, the Penrith Panthers and Dolphins have already secured their places in the preliminary finals. Now, the Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights are all fighting for the remaining two spots.
And with both games this week being sudden-death clashes, there is absolutely no room for error. Win and you progress to the preliminary finals. Lose and your season is over.
First up, the Sydney Roosters take on the Cronulla Sharks before the New Zealand Warriors host the Newcastle Knights. Two massive games, four teams and just two spots in the next round.
There's also plenty happening off the field at Jerseys Megastore, with our NRL Knock-Out Sale continuing throughout the finals.
Every team that has been knocked out of the 2026 premiership race has had its 2026 stock reduced by 20%. As more teams are eliminated, more stock will be added to the sale.
So, if your team is still alive, keep cheering. If they've already been knocked out, there's at least a silver lining!
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks
The first sudden-death clash of the weekend sees the Sydney Roosters take on the Cronulla Sharks.
Both teams know exactly what is at stake. There is no second chance this time around, with the loser heading home and the winner booking their place in the preliminary finals alongside Penrith and the Dolphins.
The Roosters will be looking to bounce back after falling to Penrith in the opening week of the finals. Despite the defeat, they showed they can match it with one of the competition's best and will be confident they can produce a stronger attacking performance this week.
Cronulla, meanwhile, have kept their premiership dream alive and will be looking to build on their performance from last week. The Sharks have plenty of attacking weapons and experience across the park, making them a dangerous opponent in a sudden-death final.
This is one of the toughest games of the week to tip. Both sides have enough quality to win, and a close contest could come down to whoever handles the pressure better in the final 20 minutes.
We're giving the Roosters the edge, particularly with their ability to control the middle of the field and their home-ground advantage.
Our tip: Sydney Roosters
Prediction: Roosters 22–18 Sharks
New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights
The second sudden-death clash sees the New Zealand Warriors return home to face the Newcastle Knights.
The Warriors' premiership campaign took a hit in Week One when they went down to the Dolphins, meaning they now have to win to keep their season alive.
There's no better place for the Warriors to try and respond than in front of their home supporters.
The Knights, however, won't be travelling across the Tasman simply to make up the numbers. Newcastle have put together an impressive run and will believe they have what it takes to cause an upset and progress to the preliminary finals.
For the Warriors, the key will be starting strongly and putting pressure on the Knights early. If they can build a lead and get their home crowd involved, the atmosphere could become a major factor.
Newcastle will need to remain composed and take their opportunities when they come.
We're backing the Warriors to respond after their Week One disappointment. Their home-ground advantage could prove decisive in what should be another entertaining finals contest.
Our tip: New Zealand Warriors
Prediction: Warriors 26–20 Knights
The NRL Knock-Out Sale is ON!
The finals aren't just getting serious on the field, they're getting serious at Jerseys Megastore too.
Our NRL Knock-Out Sale is now underway.
Whenever a team is knocked out of the 2026 premiership race, their 2026 stock is reduced by 20%.
With the Rabbitohs, Cowboys and other eliminated teams already out of the premiership hunt, their 2026 gear is now part of the Knock-Out Sale. And after this weekend, we'll have two more teams joining them.
That means if your team gets knocked out, their gear gets knocked down.
20% OFF 2026 STOCK – LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE
It's the ultimate double-edged sword for NRL fans. You want your team to keep winning, but if they can't, at least you might be able to pick up their 2026 gear for less!
Who Will Make the Preliminary Finals?
The Panthers and Dolphins are already through.
Now the Roosters, Sharks, Warriors and Knights are fighting for the final two spots.
Two games.
Two winners.
Two preliminary-final places.
Bring on Week Two of the NRL Finals!
