The Sydney Morning Herald·Australia·Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 07:48 AM

NRL finals 2026 LIVE updates: Panthers ahead after Nathan Cleary field goal as full-time nears

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Billie Eder

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson is convinced rookie utility Hugo Savala can handle the heat of NRL finals action, but it could be a temporary solution with star halfback Sam Walker back running.

Walker had ankle surgery on August 30 after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the round 26 clash with the Dolphins a day earlier, and has made a remarkable recovery.

Sam Walker is trying to get back on the field for the Roosters.Sydney Roosters

Robinson wouldn’t be drawn on whether Walker could feature in a preliminary final should the Roosters beat Penrith in today’s qualifying final, but neither did he rule out the possibility.

“He’s recovered probably quicker than I’ve seen most syndesmosis injuries and he’s back moving in a straight line in a pretty good way which is really pleasing,” Robinson said.

“He’s on a good track to progress over the next couple of weeks.”

Read the full story here.

A little bit of shuffling for Roosters coach Trent Robinson, with Egan Butcher to start and Salesi Foketi moved to the bench.

1. James Tedesco (c), 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Hugo Savala, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 12. Siua Wong, 20. Egan Butcher, 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 11. Salesi Foketi, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Nat Butcher, 18. Cody Ramsey, 19. Tommy Talau

Victor Radley at the Roosters’ all-in media day on Wednesday at Allianz Stadium.James Brickwood

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has shuffled his team around, with Luke Garner out of the side with a minor groin strain, which has paved the way for Blaize Talagi to start in the centres.

The other big news is co-captain Isaah Yeo will start on the bench.

Here’s how the team lines up today.

Blaize Talagi is back in the starting side. Getty Images

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Thomas Jenkins, 4. Casey McLean, 18. Blaize Talagi, 5. Brian To’o. 6. Jack Cole, 7. Nathan Cleary (c), 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 16. Liam Henry, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Liam Martin, 10. Lindsay Smith.

Interchange: 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Scott Sorenson, 17. Billy Phillips, 19. Billy Scott

Good afternoon readers, and what a beautiful afternoon it is.

It’s a warm 25 degrees out in Parramatta right now, which is where I’m coming to you from for the Panthers and Roosters qualifying final at CommBank Stadium this afternoon.

The winner of this match will be rewarded with a week off, while the loser will have to face Cronulla next week.

Kick-off is 4.05pm, but we have plenty of news for you until then. Enjoy.

The Panthers and Roosters go head-to-head in a qualifying final this afternoon.Steven Siewert

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