NRL State Championship: Panthers v Dolphins
The Panthers are out to claim their NRL State Championship title for the third time after their wins over the PNG Hunters in 2017 and Norths Devils in 2022.
With fullback Jaxen Edgar leading the way, the Panthers took care of business in the NSW Cup decider against Newtown to win their way into the showpiece clash on grand final day.
Their opponents the Dolphins booked their ticket to Sydney with a 28-18 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in last weekend's Hostplus Cup grand final.
With both sides boasting plenty of NRL talent, this promises to be an entertaining and free-flowing contest to kick start grand final day 2026.
Follow the NRL State Championship action on NRL.com's live blog.
Penrith Panthers v Redcliffe Dolphins at Accor Stadium
Match: Panthers v Dolphins
NRL State Championship -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Dolphins
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
14th min: An error from the kick off gives the Panthers a chance and they pounce straight away. Classy fullback Jaxen Edgar shows his skills with a run out to the right side, breaking away from tacklers to reach out and score. Zakauri Clarke can't convert and it's 12-4 to the Dolphins.
12th min: After setting up the first try down the right side with his speed, Joven Gyemore gets one for himself, sprinting away to score the second for his side. Some good work from the inside, including a no-look tap across from Fuller to set up his winger. James converts again for a 12-0 lead.
4th min: Just as he did on Hostplus Cup grand final day, Jake Averillo is the first on the board for the Dolphins and he gets the opening try of the day. It came after a great run down the right sideline by late call-up Joven Gyemore, before they send the ball back inside to the five-eighth. Joshua James converts for an early 6-0 lead.
Kick off: The Penrith Panthers kick off and give the Redcliffe Dolphins the first use of the ball.
Late Mail
Panthers: A few game-day changes, with Jakeb Vailalo to start at prop, moving Josh Ruston to the bench. Another switch sees Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea move up from reserves on to the bench, with Delahia Wigmore shifting to 18th player. Earlier in the week, with Izack Tago out of the side, Jirah Liddiard moved from the interchange bench to start on the wing. There is also a new five-eighth, with Keahn Skipps to partner with Kurt Falls and Haami Loza making way. Luron Patea has moved to lock, shifting captain Kalani Leuluai-Going to the second row.
Dolphins: No changes on game day, with Jack Johnson retained as 18th player. After missing the Hostplus Cup grand final through suspension, Trai Fuller comes in at fullback, shifting Kyle Coghill into the more familiar centre position. This sees Brian Pouniu move into the second row and Jaron Purcell to the bench. Earlier in the week, Joven Gyemore came on to the wing for Steven Numambo. Fellow NRL Dolphins regulars Felise Kaufusi, Jake Averillo and Tevita Naufahu have all been named to reprise their roles this week, while former Cronulla and South Sydney forward Patrice Siolo has been omitted from the squad after tearing his pec.
How they got here
Panthers
How they got there: Panthers
Dolphins
How they got there: Dolphins
