NRL finals schedule: Who plays who in week 1 and how the Warriors can make the Grand Final

The Warriors had the minor premiership ripped from their grasp in the final match of the regular round, but now the club has its sights set on a maiden NRL premiership.After 27 weeks, the NRL's top eight is locked in. Having sneaked into last years play-offs in seventh, the Penrith Panthers are back on top of the mountain.Ivan Cleary's side needed to beat the Tigers by at least two points to secure the minor premiership, and romped home with a 38-10 win to emphatically claim it.Going into the 27th and final round of the regular season, the Warriors were clear of the Panthers by just one on points differential, but were only able to scrape past Manly 31-30 to surrender the shield.This leaves the Warriors in second spot on the ladder. They are joined by the Dolphins, Roosters, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Knights and Cowboys. So what will be the Warriors path to a first NRL crown?The NRL finals systemIntroduced in 2012 to replace to old McIntyre system, the format sees two teams eliminated in each of the first three weeks heading into the big dance.Finishing in the top four offers a lifeline, with the teams given a second chance if they lose in the opening week.Due to finishing second, the Warriors can win twice in the playoffs and reach the grand final.The finals series is split into four weeks, the qualifiers/eliminators, the semi finals, the preliminary final, and of course, the grand final.Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, pictured with son Nathan, is seeking to extend the side's dynasty in 2026.AAP/www.photosport.nzIn playoff footy, there is an unlimited period of golden point to find a winner. The Warriors will play their 23rd NRL playoff in their history next weekend, having qualified for the post season eleven times since 1995.It will also be the sixth home final after previous contests against Canberra in 2002, Parramatta in 2007, the Sydney Roosters in 2008, Newcastle in 2023 and Penrith in 2025.Of their 22 finals so far the Warriors have won nine and lost 13. Of the five they've played at Go Media Stadium they have won three.The grand final will be played in Sydney on Sunday 4 October.Week one: QualifiersThe first week of playoffs will see the top four play qualifying finals.1st v 4th ( Panthers vs Roosters) and2nd v 3rd Warriors vs Dolphins)This is where a top two finish is a huge benefit, as a win in week one means a week off and advancing straight to the preliminary finals in week three.The bottom four will then play elimination finals:5th v 8th (Sharks vs Cowboys) and6th v 7th (Rabbitohs vs Knights)These games are sudden death - lose and your season is over. Winners of these games will head to week two to meet the losers of the qualifiers.The Warriors and Dolphins are one apiece in 2026, the Warriors winning 20-18 on Anzac Day in Wellington before the Dolphins claimed a 26-24 win in round 17.The Warriors will get a second life in the NRL finals.Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nzWeek two: Semi-finalsThe teams that lost their qualifying finals get another chance. They play the winners of the elimination finals in two semi-finals.The two winners move on to the preliminary finals.Likely match ups-Roosters vs SharksDolphins vs RabbitohsWeek three- Preliminary finalThe four remaining teams play in the preliminary finals.The likely scenarios will see the Panthers and Warriors, should they win in week one, advance straight to the preliminaries to meet the winners of the semi finals.Likely match ups-Panthers vs DolphinsWarriors vs RoostersThe winners book their place in the Grand Final.Week four- Grand FinalThe two preliminary-final winners meet in the NRL Grand Final.All going to plan, the grand final will feature the top two teams.ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys said the season has set records."Well over four million people attended matches and more than 150 million people watched our games."NRL finals series, Week one:9.50pm Friday September 11th Rabbitohs v Knights at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.6.00pm Saturday September 12th Warriors v Dolphins at Go Media Stadium, Auckland.9.50pm Saturday September 12th Sharks v Cowboys at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.6.00pm Sunday September 13th Panthers v Roosters at CommBank Stadium, Sydney.