The fantastic four, the quality quartet, the terrific tetrad. Whatever you want to call them, they’re the four sides that have outlasted the rest of the NRL to be within one game of the big dance.

The 2026 NRL Preliminary Finals will be played out by the Dolphins, Roosters, Panthers and Knights. 

They’ve all taken different routes to get here and have all experienced the ups and downs of another rigorous rugby league season.

Now, 80 minutes is all that separates them and a shot at premiership glory, but only two sides will be standing when the smoke clears, but who will that be? 

Will it be Phins up or will the Roosters be crowing? How about Penrith? Will they purr into another final, or will the Knights slay another giant? Let’s find out!

For all the latest news, analysis, and odds ahead of this week's elimination action, check out our NRL Preliminary Finals tips and predictions below.

The Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters Prediction 

Friday, September 25, 7:50pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium 

The first of this weekend’s two Preliminary Finals sees the Dolphins hosting the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

Despite this being their first ever finals series, the Phins are just one win away from a maiden Grand Final and actually enter this one as the favourites.

It’s not hard to see why punters have flocked to back Kristian Woolf’s side. They’re on an eight game winning run but turn on the floodlights and their form becomes even more formidable.

The Dolphins have won each of their last 13 night matches and with this one taking place long after the sun goes down on Friday, the Chooks will have their work cut out for them if they want to crash the Phins phestivities. 

That being said, they were seriously impressive in the semi-final smackdown of the Sharks but were aided by early injuries to key Cronulla cogs such as Nicho Hynes. 

Any success they will hope to have here surely hinges on the participation of Sam Walker, who according to reports is set to make a miraculous return in time for this must win match. 

One man who will be desperate to see him return is his halves partner and former Dolphins junior Daly Cherry-Evans.

DCE played his first game for the Phins as a five-year-old and in a truly full-circle moment his NRL career could end back where it all began, as he is set to move to England at the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

Even with the extra emotional surrounding the Tricolours number 7, we still think he needs Walker to win here, as we doubt he can take the likes of Farnworth, Katoa and Tabuai-Fidow, who have all been in career best form, alone. 

So, who wins? Experience does count for plenty in games like this and that is something the Dolphins do not have. 

However, with a capacity home crowd, rampant winning streak and some of the most destructive outside backs in the competition, we can’t help but think the Phins are set to make their first ever finals series one to remember. 

Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins. 

Betting tip: Herbie Farnworth first try scorer. 

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights Prediction 

Sunday, September 27, 4:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium 

The second Preliminary Final sees September specialist Penrith entertain a Newcastle outfit who simply refuses to die.

Despite being ruled out time and time again, the Knights have scrapped their way from seventh to one game away from the Grand Final.

If they want to make their first decider in 25 years, they’ll have to take their giant-killing exploits to a whole new level. 

Their stunning 12-10 win over the Warriors in front of a record crowd at Eden Park was undoubtedly one of the upsets of the season, but this Penrith side, at this time of the year. Well, they’re a different kind of beast entirely. 

They’ve just been here so many times before and know exactly what needs to be done to seal passage to the GF. 

Chuck in home ground advantage and Newcastle have an 11-game mountain to climb. That’s right, Penrith have won each of its last 11 Finals home matches. Yikes. 

They also start extra hot in these types of matches having scored the first try in each of their last seven Finals home matches as well. 

The only thing that might be able to save the Knights is the thing that usually saves the Panthers – Nathan Cleary’s foot.

The superstar No.7 is reportedly still battling a persisting foot injury sustained in his side's win over the Roosters a fortnight ago.

If he fails to fully recover, then the Knights are in with a shot, otherwise we can’t see them upsetting the greatest side the modern era has ever seen. 

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers. 

Betting tip: Brian To’o first try scorer. 

*Odds are subject to change.