2026 NRL Preliminary Finals Team Lists: Walker Returns as Cleary Named

NRL Team Lists: Preliminary Finals 2026

Dolphins vs Roosters

Friday 7.50pm at Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins: Felise Kaufusi has been named on the six-man interchange for his first NRL game since Round 25. The two-time premiership winner returns to Kristian Woolf's squad after making two finals appearances for Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

Tom Flegler failed a HIA early in the match against the Warriors in week one but has cleared the concussion protocols and will start at prop. Tevita Naufahu drops to the reserves after being part of the 19-man squad in Auckland without taking the field, while Jake Averillo and Brian Pouniu complete the extended squad.

Roosters: Sam Walker has been named to return just 24 days after suffering a syndesmosis injury against the Dolphins and undergoing surgery. His return sees Daly Cherry-Evans move back to five-eighth and Hugo Savala shift to the interchange, while Toby Rodwell makes way.

Egan Butcher is among the reserves after completing the concussion protocols, with Tommy Talau and Benaiah Ioelu also included in the squad.

Panthers vs Knights

Sunday 4.00pm at Accor Stadium

Panthers: Nathan Cleary has been named to play despite suffering a foot injury in the qualifying-final win over the Roosters. Blaize Talagi retains his place at centre following his performance after being a late call-up for Luke Garner, who withdrew with a groin strain.

Jack Cogger returns from a three-game suspension and has been added to the interchange alongside Garner, with Jesse McLean and Freddy Lussick making way. Lindsay Smith moves from lock to prop as Isaah Yeo returns to the starting side.

Izack Tago has been named among the reserves as he pushes to return from a knee injury.

Knights: Justin Holbrook has named the same 19-man squad that defeated the Warriors at Eden Park to reach Newcastle's first preliminary final since 2013.

Dylan Lucas played 14 minutes in his return from a fractured ankle and is expected to see more game time from the interchange on Sunday. Kyle McCarthy, Toby Winter and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana complete the 22-man squad.

All player lists, jersey numbers, injuries and selection information above are taken exclusively from the supplied NRL Preliminary Finals source.