NRL Finals Race 2026: Predicted Ladder & Top 8 Positioning
The race for the 2026 NRL finals is heating up as the top eight teams have been confirmed following Round 26. The New Zealand Warriors are favorites to claim their second minor premiership, with the Penrith Panthers a close second. The top four are locked in, ensuring they cannot drop out, while the elimination zone still offers some movement based on the final round's outcomes. Predictions suggest the Rabbitohs and Cowboys will fight for crucial positions, with the Warriors likely to finish atop the ladder.
- NRL Finals 2026 top 8 confirmed after Rd 26.
- Warriors favored for minor premiership but Panthers are close.
- Final ladder positions hinge on last round results.
Jaxson Paulo of the Cowboys celebrates a try with teammates. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
NRL Finals Race 2026: Predicted Ladder, Top Eight Chances & Run Home
The race for the 2026 NRL Finals is complete as the top eight teams were confirmed at the completion of Round 26.
- NRL Finals Race 2026: Predicted Ladder, Top Eight Chances & Run Home
- The Minor Premiership
- Top 4
- Elimination Zone
- Our Predicted 2026 NRL Final Ladder
All that is left to do now is determine the final positioning on the ladder. The top 4 teams are locked in and can't drop out while the minor premiership is likely to be heading across the ditch.
Here's how the finals race looks heading into the final round of the regular season.
The Minor Premiership
The New Zealand Warriors are in the box seat to claim their 2nd ever minor premiership with their final game of the regular season at home against the Sea Eagles on Saturday. Penrith also have a favourable matchup against the Tigers so margin will come into play with only 1 pt separating the two teams prior to Rd 27 starting.
Top 4
Even if both the Warriors and Panthers were to lose, the difference in points differential down to the Dolphins and Roosters in 3rd and 4th is too large to see them drop further. The Dolphins take on the Titans on the Gold Coast while the Roosters face the Rabbitohs who need to win to secure a home final.
Elimination Zone
Cronulla's point differential will see them finish 5th irrespective of any results this weekend while the Knights have the bye which will automatically raise them to 34 pts. Should the Rabbitohs win on Friday night they will take 6th spot relegating Newcastle to 7th, but if South's lose then Newcastle will finish 6th.
The Cowboys will know what is on the line by game time Saturday. If Souths lose, NQL will have the chance to leapfrog them into 7th spot. In any case they play their final home game of the season and they will need momentum heading into finals.
Our Predicted 2026 NRL Final Ladder
Here's how we predict the ladder will look after Round 27:
| Ladder Pos | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | Sydney Roosters |
| 5 | Cronulla Sharks |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
31 August 2026
07 September 2026
- Iga Swiatek vs Qinwen Zheng -
- Tennis
- Elena Rybakina vs Naomi Osaka -
- Tennis
- Coco Gauff vs Iva Jovic -
- Tennis
08 September 2026
- Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi -
- Tennis
- Moe- September 8 -
- Horse Racing
- Muswellbrook - September 8 -
- Horse Racing
Load More
