NSWRL will host its Grand Final for the state’s premier Rugby League competition, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, at night for the first time in the organisation’s proud 119-year history as part of the 2026 NSWRL Grand Final Day at CommBank Stadium on Saturday 26 September.
The decider for The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup will cap the highlights for the day with the Grand Finals also to be held for the state’s premier women’s competition, the NSW Women’s Premiership, and the state’s best young talent, the Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21s).
“NSWRL is proud to announce the 2026 NSWRL Grand Final Day will kick off in the afternoon before culminating with our first ever night-time Grand Final,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“It is an innovative approach to our showpiece event, and the decision ensures there will be three first-class Rugby League Grand Finals held in Sydney that weekend for fans to attend.
“Our Grand Finals have always produced plenty of memorable moments and I’m not expecting anything different this year with only one round remaining before the finals series starts and plenty of teams still in contention for premiership honours.
“It has already been a successful season for NSWRL, after record participation numbers for the fourth consecutive season and our men’s and women’s State of Origin teams capturing their respective Shields, and holding our first-ever night Grand Final seems a fitting way to end it.”
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup acts as a feeder competition to the NRL and features 14 teams, including foundation clubs North Sydney Bears, Newtown Jets, Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Western Suburbs Magpies.
The finals series is a traditional top five format and there are still six teams still in contention heading into the final round.
Penrith Panthers lead the competition for the Minor Premiership with 39 points but are only one point clear of the Bears (38). The top five is rounded out by Newcastle Knights (36), the Jets (34) and last year’s premiers, the Warriors (34).
Sydney Roosters (32) have the bye in the final round but are still a chance to squeeze into the top five if the fifth-placed Warriors lose to the third-placed Newcastle Knights on Sunday.
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup has produced plenty of thrilling moments in recent seasons including Jets fullback Will Kennedy scoring in extra time to seal a 20-15 win in 2019, the Panthers claiming the decider 29-22 in 2022 to set up four premierships across men’s senior and junior competitions, and the Warriors making history last year with a 30-12 win to become the first team from outside the state to win a NSWRL Major Competition.
Tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $5 for juniors (4-15) and $30 for a family of four.
Click here to purchase tickets for the 2026 NSWRL Grand Final Day.
