Thirteen years since their last NRL preliminary final, the Newcastle Knights are on a quest to do the unthinkable — go from wooden spoon to premiers in a single season. Writing in 1987, their inaugural coach spelt out the player who would get them there. 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has credited the character of Spencer Leniu and his classy response after the prop didn’t see the field during the preliminary final win over the Dolphins.

A disappointed Kristian Woolf has conceded the Sydney Roosters “deserved the win” after the Dolphins dream of reaching a maiden grand final ended in a heartbreaking preliminary final loss.

The powerhouse winger produced another passage of absolute magic to set up a vital try in the second half as the Sydney Roosters booked a spot in next Sunday’s grand final courtesy of a 36-20 win over the Dolphins. Christian Nicolussi

Demoted to the bunker for the preliminary final, referee Ashley Klein was at the centre of more controversial calls. Christian Nicolussi

The Dolphins’ terrific season ended with a whimper inside Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Sydney Roosters have reached their first grand final since 2019 after dispatching the Dolphins in the preliminary final.

The Roosters are through to the grand final but utility Connor Watson may not be there after a contentious concussion ruling that the club is expected to challenge with the NRL.

The first team in the 2026 NRL grand final is locked in after the Sydney Roosters outclassed the Dolphins to book their spot in next Sunday’s decider at Accor Stadium.

A controversial decision to award a Dolphins try has been slammed, with two former greats believing the Bunker made a monumental error.