Sydney Roosters become first team into NRL grand final, beating Dolphins 36-20
The Sydney Roosters defeated the Dolphins 36-20 in an NRL preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, becoming the first team to book a place in the 2026 grand final, where they will face the winner of Penrith and Newcastle.
Commanding win in the preliminary final
The Sydney Roosters defeated the Redcliffe Dolphins 36-20 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday, 25 September, becoming the first of four teams to secure a place in this year's NRL grand final. The preliminary final pitted one of the league's foundation clubs, with 118 years of history and 15 premierships, against the NRL's youngest club, which is only in its fourth season and was playing just its second finals match.
The Roosters led 16-6 at halftime, extending their perfect 2026 record to 12-0 when leading at the break. In the second half, they scored three tries in just 10 minutes to pull clear.
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase was the standout performer, opening the scoring with an intercept try near his own 20-metre line, later adding a second try of his own and setting up a try for teammate Robert Toia with a length-of-field play. That Toia try sparked debate, as replays showed it was extremely close whether Nawaqanitawase's foot had touched the sideline before he passed inside — the bunker ultimately confirmed it as legal.
Much attention also centred on halfback Sam Walker, who returned to the field just 27 days after ankle surgery, according to NRL.com, and scored the sealing try in the 67th minute before leaving the field. The Roosters' other tries came from Daniel Tupou (his 198th career try), Lindsay Collins, and Nawaqanitawase's second.
For the Dolphins, Jamayne Isaako was the standout with a double, his second try making him just the fourth player in history to reach 300 points in a season. Late in the game, with the result already decided, the Dolphins added two consolation tries through Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Herbie Farnworth.
The match was also marked by injury concerns: Roosters utility Connor Watson was ruled out with a Category One head injury assessment and will miss the grand final, while Jack Bostock passed his HIA and returned to play. Fox Sports reported that Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa could face possible disciplinary consequences over an awkward tackle, while Nine.com.au noted he was seen limping in pain during the game.
The Roosters, playing in their first grand final since 2019, will face the winner of the clash between Penrith and Newcastle in next week's decider.
