roosters v dolphins

Roosters Stampede Into Grand Final With 36-20 Dominance Over Dolphins

Overview

Gemini said The Sydney Roosters have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 NRL Grand Final, delivering an absolute statement performance to dispatch the Dolphins 36-20 in front of a roaring, sold-out crowd of 52,286 at Suncorp Stadium. NRL.com Overcoming a pair of regular-season losses to the same fierce opponent earlier this year, Trent Robinson's men engineered a tactical masterclass when it mattered most. Powered by the triumphant return of halfback Sam Walker and an otherworldly outing from winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Tricolours secured their first decider appearance since 2019, bringing an end to the Dolphins' inspiring finals fairytale. NRL.com Walker’s Miraculous Return and Nawaqanitawase’s Masterclass All eyes heading into "The Cauldron" were fixed firmly on Sam Walker, who made a jaw-dropping return just 27 days post-ankle surgery. Despite the rapid turnaround, Walker looked entirely unfazed, orchestrating the Roosters' attack with clinical precision and capping off a stellar night by slicing over for a crucial second-half try. NRL.com Meanwhile, athletic freak Mark Nawaqanitawase put on a clinic ahead of his impending code switch. The star winger tore the Dolphins' defensive line to shreds, chalking up a staggering 329 run metres, breaking five tackles, and bagging a crucial double. Backed by robust engine-room contributions from Naufahu Whyte (205 metres) and relentless defensive output from the likes of Reece Robson and Victor Radley, the Roosters simply had too many weapons across the park. NRL.com + 1 The Fairytale Ends for the Dolphins For the Dolphins, exiting in Finals Week 3 stings, but their rapid ascent to the preliminary finals in just their fourth season overall is nothing short of remarkable. Fighting valiantly until the final whistle, they struggled to contain the red-and-white wave, compounded by early injury trouble for key playmaker Isaiya Katoa. NRL.com + 1 As the dust settles on a pulsating night in Brisbane, the Roosters turn their sights toward the ultimate prize. With Trent Robinson steering the club to his fourth grand final helm appearance and veteran legend Daly Cherry-Evans marching closer to his career curtain-call, momentum is firmly in Sydney's corner. NRL.com