Full draw, Week 1 and 2 start times, venues, schedule, dates, times, venues
The 2026 NRL finals schedule has been finalized, with controversy surrounding the decision to move the Sharks' home elimination final to Allianz Stadium. The NRL cited the poor quality of the Sharks' home ground as the reason for the venue change.
Why it matters
Illustrates the tension between club loyalty, stadium infrastructure quality, and the commercial interests of professional sports leagues.
NRL NRL-PREMIERSHIP NRL finals fixtures 2026: Full week 1 line-up revealed as ‘worst stadium in Australia’ sees side snubbed "It's the worst stadium in Australia!" | 01:12 Max Laughton from Fox Sports @maxlaughton September 6th, 2026 7:33 pm The Panthers have clinched the minor premiership, demolishing the Tigers in the final game of the NRL season, and confirming the week 1 finals line-up.
It was revealed earlier on Sunday the Sharks won’t be hosting their elimination final at their home ground.
The club will play its home final at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium – 25km north of spiritual home Ocean Protect Stadium.
That ground only holds about 14,000 and the NRL has deemed it unfit to host blockbuster finals matches.
“It is the worst stadium in Australia,” Fox League’s Luke Keary said on Sunday afternoon.
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