Rugby League has reached the most exciting time of the season, as the action heats up and the drama unfolds. Here is how you can watch the nine matches televised this week, all of which are huge play-off, or Grand Finals in their own right.
Friday 26th September:
The NRL opens the weekend’s entertainment, as the Australian competition reaches the semi-final stage. The first final-four clash sees Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks go head to head for a place in the Grand Final. Melbourne last won the Premiership in 2020, but were runners up in 2024. Cronulla, meanwhile, last won the competition in 2016, and haven’t reached the final since. In fact, they have also reached this stage just once since that win, as they lost to South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2022 semi-final.
On Friday night, Super League’s first elimination play-off sees Leigh Leopards host their first ever home playoff game when they take on Wakefield Trinity. It has been incredible seasons for both sides, with Trinity reaching the top six at the first time of asking since their promotion back to the top division.
Saturday 27th September:
Queensland Cup, one of the NRL’s reserve grade competitions, hosts their Grand Final this week, as the Burleigh Bears take on Norths Devils. Former Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith re-joined Norths after his time at AMT Headingley, as he looks for his first piece of silverware as a coach.
Straight after, the first semi-final in the NRLW sees league leaders Sydney Roosters look to remain unbeaten and reach the Grand Final. They take on Cronulla Sharks, who finished fifth in the league campaign.
In the evening, attention turns to the Championship as table-topping York Knights look to earn their 20th win on the bounce when they take on Halifax Panthers in the first semi-final. Kyle Eastmond’s Panthers, who secured a huge upset win over Oldham in the first round of the playoffs, will look to secure another shock victory at the LNER Community Stadium.
Following that, AMT Headingley hosts it’s first playoff final since 2017, as Leeds Rhinos host St Helens in the second eliminator. Paul Wellens’ spine issues continue to be a problem for the Red Vee, whilst Leeds will welcome back Jake Connor, Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall and Ash Handley for the contest, in what should be a cracker contest.
Sunday 28th September:
Brisbane Broncos host a double header on Sunday morning, with the Women’s side taking on Newcastle Knights in the NRLW. Georgia Roche’s Knights face a tough test against the rampant Broncos, having lost 46-16 to them in the regular season.
Next, the second NRL semi-final takes place, with the Broncos taking on Penrith Panthers, who are looking for their fifth NRL Premiership in a row. The Broncos, meanwhile, welcome back Ezra Mam after a lengthy injury, with Adam Reynolds also returning to the starting lineup. Wakefield-bound Tyson Smoothy is set to start at loose forward.
The weekend’s action concluded with the Wheelchair Super League Grand Final. Halifax Panthers take on London Roosters in that one, with the Panthers looking to secure their third Grand Final win since 2019. The Roosters, however, have never made it this far in the competition, as they look for their first piece of silverware.
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How, when and where to watch rugby league on TV this week:
Friday 26th September:
Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks @ 10:50am on Sky Sports+ and Watch NRL
Leigh Leopards v Wakefield Trinity @ 8:00pm on BBC3 and Sky Sports+
Saturday 27th September:
Burleigh Bears v Norths Devils @ 7:05am on Sky Sports+
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks (NRLW) @ 10:45am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL
York Knights v Halifax Panthers @ 6:00pm on The Sportsman YouTube
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens @ 8:00pm on Sky Sports+
Sunday 28th September:
Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights (NRLW) @ 5:15am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers @ 7:05am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL
Halifax Panthers v London Roosters (W/Chair) @ 5:30pm on Sky Sports+
