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Patrick Carrigan. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The 2023 NRL finals are upon us. The series will begin on Friday, September 8, with the Brisbane Broncos playing host to the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, and finishing on Sunday, October 1 with the grand final.
2023 NRL Finals
Week 1
Friday, September 8, 7:50pm: Second qualifying final, Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium
Not since 2009 have the Broncos conquered the Storm on their home patch, a remarkable record that continued with Melbourne’s Round 24 triumph, albeit with both sides resting a host of first-choice players, that cost Brisbane the minor premiership.
Saturday, September 9, 4:05pm: First qualifying final, Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors at BlueBet Stadium
It has been a remarkable season for the Warriors, but despite only having a seven-match winning streak ended with a second-string team against the Dolphins in Round 27, have been slowly deteriorating in form for a while and haven’t played a fellow finalist since June. The Panthers will be without Jarome Luai, but secured a second consecutive minor premiership and third in four years, and are gunning for a remarkable third straight crown in 2023.
Saturday, September 9, 7:50pm: Second elimination final, Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium
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Down and out a month ago, four wins from their last five games saw the Roosters make a remarkable rise into the finals, knocking out old foes the Rabbitohs just last week en route. The Sharks secured a home final by beating the Raiders, and having bowed out in straight sets last year, will be keen to secure a September victory for the first time since 2018.
Sunday, September 10, 4:05pm: First elimination final, Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium
The hottest ticket in town, the Knights head into finals off the back of a nine-game winning streak, and haven’t tasted defeat since June. But it’s do or die from here on in, with the Raiders and Ricky Stuart their first adversaries in what is sure to be a September to remember.
Week 2
Friday, September 15, TBD: First semi final, QF1 Loser vs EF1 Winner at QF1 Loser home ground
Saturday, September 16, TBD: Second semi final, QF2 Loser vs EF2 Winner at QF2 Loser home ground
The second week of finals pits the two qualifying final losers against the elimination final winners, in a bid to determine places in the final four.
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Week 3
Friday, September 22, TBD: First preliminary final, QF1 Winner vs SF2 Winner at QF1 Winner home ground
Saturday, September 23, TBD: Second preliminary final, QF2 Winner vs SF1 Winner at QF2 Winner home ground
It’s all systems go to the grand final in the second-last week of the NRL season, with the two qualifying final winners playing host to the semi-final victors. The winners will face off in the grand final, while for the losers, it’s season over.
Grand final
Sunday, October 1, TBD: Grand final, PF1 Winner vs PF2 Winner at Stadium Australia
All roads lead to Homebush, where the 2023 NRL premiers will be crowned.
