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Roosters Beat Dolphins 36-20 to Reach First Grand Final Since 2019

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 12:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sydney Roosters Reach Final

Sydney Roosters beat the Dolphins 36-20, reaching their first NRL grand final since 2019.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two solo tries, including a 90-metre intercept, for a finals-record 330 metres.
Sam Walker returned 27 days post-syndesmosis injury, scoring a try and an assist.
Connor Watson suffered a category-one head injury early and will miss the grand final.
A sold-out crowd of 52,286 watched the match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Summary

Nawaqanitawase Joins Japan

Nawaqanitawase will leave the Roosters to join a Japanese rugby union club later this year.
He is targeting selection for the home Rugby World Cup in October-November 2027.
Despite his form, he declined to play for Australia at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
He has amassed 43 tries in 45 NRL games, including a four-try haul against the Storm in late 2025.

History

Historical Context

On 26 August 1995 the International Rugby Board declared rugby union open, ending amateurism and establishing a professional market that now enables players to sign overseas contracts. That precedent underpins Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase’s 2024 move to a Japanese Top League side as he eyes the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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Sydney Roosters Reach Final

Sydney Roosters beat the Dolphins 36-20, reaching their first NRL grand final since 2019.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two solo tries, including a 90-metre intercept, for a finals-record 330 metres.
Sam Walker returned 27 days post-syndesmosis injury, scoring a try and an assist.
Connor Watson suffered a category-one head injury early and will miss the grand final.
A sold-out crowd of 52,286 watched the match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

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