Explore the latest developments concerning NRL finals 2026.
NRL finals 2026 LIVE updates: Cleary starts on the bench as preliminary final between Penrith and Newcastle gets under way
Newcastle are through to the 2026 grand final after defeating the Panthers 22-14.
They’ve gone from the wooden spoon in 2025 to a grand final appearance in 2026. And they did it a man down for the entire second half after Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary.
Sandon Smith, who scored the intercept try to seal victory, will face the Roosters in the grand final. The Tricolours didn’t want him – he was let go by the club in favour of Daly Cherry-Evans and Hugo Savala. And now he has led Newcastle to the decider against them.
NRL world ‘speechless’ as Cleary rushed to hospital, horrific prelim incident sparks send-off debate
Penrith’s premiership hopes might’ve been stretchered off Accor Stadium as Nathan Cleary was taken to hospital with fears of a possible compound fracture to his left leg.
The four-time premiership winner was brought down by Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland in the 35th minute in a hip drop tackle which resulted in him being sent off.
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The packed stadium was sent into shock as Cleary winced in agony on the ground.
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Cleary sent to bench as he fights foot injury
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Newcastle are through to their first grand final in 25 years after holding on to beat Penrith 22-14 with 12 men, after Panther superstar Nathan Cleary suffered an ankle fracture in a hip-drop tackle.
On an afternoon of high drama at Accor Stadium, Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off for the tackle that left Cleary with a compound fracture and dislocation of the ankle late in the first half.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning NRL finals 2026.
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