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.

Victor Radley is in danger of missing next week’s grand final if the Roosters advance after being penalised two times in the first half of Friday’s preliminary final against the Dolphins.

The Dolphins host the Roosters in an NRL preliminary final at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Stuff sports reporters

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

The return of Sam Walker has forced the Sydney Roosters to shake up their halves for their preliminary final clash against the Dolphins.