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NRL finals live updates: Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters

Posted Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:35pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:35pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:35pmSkip to timeline

The NRL finals continue on Sunday with minor premiers Penrith Panthers hosting the fourth-placed Sydney Roosters. 

The winner will host a preliminary final in two weeks and be just one win away from the grand final, while the loser will play Cronulla next week. 

The Roosters were victorious when the two clubs last met just over a month ago but will be without halfback Sam Walker, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. 

Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our Score Centre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.

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Live updates

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Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:42pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:42pm

What impact will Penrith’s late change have?

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By Nick Campton

Talagi hasn’t played much centre since joining Penrith, he’s been used more as a five-eighth and lined up on the Panthers left edge.

I would think he’s over on the right side for this one, which means he’ll be matched up with Billy Smith.

Look for the Roosters to target that new combination early and often.

Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:26pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:26pm

Final teams: Panthers pull off shock switch

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By Nick Campton

Couple of changes for both sides but the big one is in the backline for Penrith.

Blaize Talagi, who hasn’t really been sighted in recent weeks after falling out of favour is back at centre. Luke Garner drops out of the side completely.

Liam Henry starts at prop and Lindsay Smith goes back to lock with Isaah Yeo moving back to the bench.

Roosters have changed up a couple of things as well – Egan Butcher starts at second row with Salesi Foketi moving to the bench.

Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:24pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:24pm

Hello and welcome to the ABC’s NRL finals live blog

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By Nick Campton

Hey team, good to have you all here for the last game of the first week of the finals.

We’ve got a blockbuster on our hands today, with the Panthers hosting the Roosters.

The winners will host a preliminary final and just be one match away from the big one while the loser faces Cronulla next week in a sudden-death showdown.

This is what it’s all about. This is why we do it. Let’s have some fun.

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