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The Sydney Roosters will face the Newcastle Knights in the men's grand final, while the women's title goes to a rematch between the Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. The events take place on October 4 at Stadium Australia and will air exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The final day of the NRL and NRL W seasons is almost upon us, with grand final s for both men's and women's competitions scheduled for Sunday, October 4.
Sydney's Stadium Australia will host the matches, re‑establishing itself as the traditional fortress for NRL decision‑making since 1999 - the only break being the 2021 clash at Brisbane's Lang Park because of the pandemic. The venue has also been the home of every NRLW grand final since the competition began in 2018, except for 2021 when the event was shifted to Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe. In the men's decider, the Sydney Roosters will face the Newcastle Knights.
Roosters Unbeaten Record Sets Stage
The Roosters finished the regular season in fourth place and have shown a remarkable transformation from a modest start in the finals series - having lost their opening match - to a run that saw them beat Cronulla, the Dolphins and then Canberra Raiders in the preliminary final. Their recent form is flawless: 11 wins in the 11 matches of the home‑and‑away season, and an unbeaten record extending into the post‑season.
Newcastle, who entered the finals in seventh position, made a dramatic climb to the premiership final after eliminating Souths, then taking on the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland before defeating Penrith in Christchurch with a 12‑player team for the second half - a testament to their resilience. The women's grand final features the Sydney Roosters facing the Brisbane Broncos, a reprise of last year's decider that saw Brisbane claim the title.
Last season, the Roosters were the perfect team, unblemished until the final match, where they succumbed to the Broncos. The Broncos, who finished third in the regular season with an 8‑3 record, had a rough middle stretch marked by a three‑game losing streak, but rebounded to win their last five contests, including a victory over Gold Coast Titans in the preliminary final.
Channel 9 Exclusive Grand Final Coverage
The rematch between these two powerhouses is poised to be another chapter in a rivalry that has seen both sides stack record points and sporting drama. Television coverage of the climax will be exclusive to Channel 9 and the 9Now platform, and the game will not appear on Kayo or Fox Sports.
Fans can also listen live through their local ABC Sport radio affiliate and stay up to date with the ABC Sport live blog, offering play‑by‑play commentary and expert analysis. The choice of broadcasting partner has sparked conversation - after all, the NRL finals series traditionally commands split coverage. Yet Channel 9's historical partnership with the league places the grand finals firmly within the national sporting calendar, ensuring an audience reach that is both proud and expansive.
Daylight Saving Impact On Match Day
The 2026 NRL and NRLW grand finals will also be historic in terms of timing: Sunday, October 4, falls on the first day of daylight saving time across numerous states and territories. This shift could influence fan attendance and viewership, as the hour‑long advantage will extend into the restful peak of daylight. Supporters arriving early for the pre‑game ceremonies should be mindful of the local time adjustments, especially those travelling from interstate.
The event draws alumni, sponsors and dignitaries, while the Brisbane Rainbow Trust and the NSW Rugby League Foundation are slated to taper community engagement. Beyond the physical fields, the narrative that surrounds tonight's matches is about evolution and continuity. While the Roosters are celebrating a century‑old rugby league heritage in an 11‑match perfect run that culminates in yet another testament to their depth, the Knights represent the dream narrative of third‑tier upriests parlaying early setbacks into vindication.
Roosters Broncos Philosophies Defined
In women's rugby league, the Roosters and Broncos each embody different philosophies - the Roosters a blend of stability and youth, the Broncos a mix of raw power and psychological strategy after a season‑long grind. The grandfinal promises to burn with intensity, and the history books are primed for a new chapter.
In sum, the date, the venue, the match-ups, the broadcast decisions and the season-long arcs turn the NRL and NRLW grand finals into a national spectacle that will be watched, listened to and felt across the Australian sporting landscape. Fans from the suburbs in Sydney to the far‑flung communities of Queensland will be glued to their screens or headphones alone or with family, hoping to see which team claims the green and gold first place of victory.
NRL NRLW Sydney Roosters Newcastle Knights Brisbane Broncos Stadium Australia Grand Final January 2026 Channel 9 9Now
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