NRL 2026 – Finals week two preview, predictions and tips
It’s two down, six to go as the battle to be crowned NRL Premiers steps up another gear this week.
There are no second chances from here on in, so the Roosters have to end their four-game losing run if they’re going to progress. They take on the Sharks in the first game of the weekend, and they looked in good touch against the Cowboys in week one.
In the second game, the Warriors face the Knights. The New Zealanders let an eight-point lead slip against the Dolphins last week, but a sold-out Eden Park will boost their chances of progressing this week. The Knights put on a superb display to knock out the Rabbitohs, but surely an away day in Auckland is a step too far?
It’s all to play for…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 17th September 2026.
Saturday 19th September – Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks
Form guide
The Roosters lost a close match with the Panthers last week, as they went down 19-12 in week one. Thanks to their 4th-placed finish in the regular season, they’ve been given a second chance this weekend, but they head into this game off the back of four straight losses.
The Sharks saw off the Cowboys 26-16 in their Elimination Final to progress to week two. They finished the year in 5th – four points behind the Roosters.
Team news
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Taylor Losalu 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Toby Rodwell
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Riley Jones 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Toby Rudolf 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Mawene Hiroti
My prediction – Sydney Roosters 28-20 Cronulla Sharks
Despite their current form, I’m backing the Roosters here. Over the course of the year they’ve been the better side, and there are some mitigating circumstances for some of their recent losses. Cronulla were impressive for large periods last week, but when it comes to the crunch, I think the Chooks will have a little bit more.
Betting tips
I’m getting straight on a Roosters winning margin of 1-12 points, which is 2/1. I’ll also back the Sharks to score between 11 and 20 points, which is 11/8.
Sunday 20th September – New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights
Form guide
The Warriors let a 16-8 lead slip to lose 26-16 to the Dolphins in week one. They finished the regular season with six straight wins though, and only missed out on the Minor Premiership because of points difference.
The Knights were very impressive in their 20-10 win over the Rabbitohs last weekend to secure their progress to week two. They lost 46-32 to the Warriors in their final match of the regular season back in Round 26.
Team news
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Jett Cleary 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Makaia Tafua 22. Leka Halasima 23. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Toby Winter 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Dylan Lucas
My prediction – New Zealand Warriors 24-16 Newcastle Knights
I’m expecting a big reaction from the Warriors this week, especially in front of a sold-out Eden Park. The atmosphere will be electric, and although I don’t expect the Knights to buckle, there’s no doubt the crowd will play a part in this one.
Betting tips
Again, this should be close, so I’m backing the Warriors to win by 1-12 points, which is 2/1. If it is close like I think it’ll be, then 9/5 on there NOT being three unaswered tries looks a bargain too.
