Full Breakdown
Roosters Advance to Grand Final After 36-20 Preliminary Win Over Dolphins
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 25, 2026, the Sydney Roosters defeated the Dolphins 36-20 in the NRL preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium, securing their first grand-final appearance since 2019. The Roosters built a 16-0 lead within the first 27 minutes and held off a late Dolphins surge. Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries, including a 90-metre intercept, and set up a third-quarter try for Robert Toia. Sam Walker returned from a syndesmosis injury after 27 days and contributed a try and an assist.
Background & Context
The Dolphins entered the match after an eight-game winning streak that had taken them to their inaugural preliminary final. Coach Kristian Woolf highlighted the team’s defensive strength but noted ruck lapses that proved costly. Roosters coach Trent Robinson pointed to the side’s defensive grit throughout the finals campaign.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Roosters 36, Dolphins 20.
- Attendance: 52,286.
- Nawaqanitawase: 329 run metres, five tackle breaks, two tries, one assist.
- Walker: scored a solo try and set up another on his 27-day return.
- Naufahu Whyte: 119 metres by halftime, leading ball-carrier for the Roosters.
- Dolphins: Selwyn Cobbo and Herbie Farnworth each missed a first-half try opportunity; the team conceded three tries that originated from the ruck.
Official Statements & Responses
He also confirmed that utility Connor Watson’s concussion assessment would determine his availability for the final, noting the mandatory 11-day stand-down policy. Kristian Woolf acknowledged that the Dolphins “didn’t quite recover” after the early intercept and emphasized that defending the line had been a season-long strength, now undermined by the three ruck-origin tries.
On-the-Ground Reports
Commentary highlighted the “miracle” nature of Walker’s rapid return and the “freakish” quality of Nawaqanitawase’s intercept, which shifted momentum early. The match featured several contentious referee decisions, including a Bunker review that upheld a Toia try after a close off-load from Nawaqanitawase, prompting vocal protests from the Dolphins crowd.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise impact of the Bunker review: Nine reports describe the decision as “a game of millimetres,” while *The Age* notes that the review could not assess whether Nawaqanitawase was in the field of play when he passed. No definitive consensus is provided on whether the call altered the final outcome.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Big players make big plays in big games,” — Billy Slater
- “We did all but score with that first opportunity – it was a great take from Mark to take the intercept and go the length, but if he doesn’t take that, we score, and you’re looking at very different momentum,” — Kristian Woolf, Dolphins coach
- “He’s in the middle of doing his tests now to see where he’s at,” — Trent Robinson, Roosters coach
What’s Next
The Roosters will face either Penrith or Newcastle in the grand final later this month. The Dolphins will regroup ahead of the 2026 preseason, aiming to address the ruck-defence issues highlighted by Woolf. Mark Nawaqanitawase is slated to return to rugby union after the season, with potential involvement in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup remaining speculative.
