Sunday NRL as it happened: Benji’s candid confession on season finale; Panthers claim minor premiership
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Benji glad it’s over
The 2026 season is over for the Tigers and Benji Marshall is stoked.
“I’m glad it’s come to an end, to be honest,” he said.
“It’s been a bit of a weird year for us. We showed so much promise and optimism to start the season and then went through a rough patch losing eight in a row and then had to fight in the back end. Obviously you want to be in the semis and move forward as a club and there’s a lot we can take away from this year that we need to be better at, myself in particular, and make sure we’re not in this position next year.”
Benji Marshall and Api Koroisau. Nine
The family glare
In round 24, the Roosters defeated the Panthers 12-6.
Now that rematch will be on in week one of finals.
Ivan and Nathan Cleary were both asked if there was something they identified in that match to improve on.
They both looked at each other and then laughed.
“Yes,” Ivan said.
“We lost to the Warriors before that as well. It was a two-week period of really good tests against good teams and there were certainly a few things out of there we needed to improve.”
Nathan and Ivan Cleary. Nine
Minor premiership trophy ‘so cool’ for Ivan
In his press conference, Ivan Cleary maintains the focus is on the ultimate premiership but admits the feeling of finishing first is “so cool”.
“It feels really good. I thought today was a good hit-out in many ways, it’s definitely been a good season and I feel like our habits will give us a good chance over the next few weeks,” he said.
“It confirms you’ve done a lot of things right over a long period of time. It’s a good effort, we’ve had a really good year ... we came out of Origin a bit inconsistent but it’s kind of good to do that.”
Ken Irvine medal honours split
Thomas Jenkins’ two tries means he finishes level with Alex Johnston for top try scorer this season.
The tally finished at 30 for both men.
Thomas Jenkins celebrates a try. Getty Images
Here’s the finals equation
NRL finals week one schedule
Friday 8pm: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights, Allianz Stadium
Saturday 4pm: New Zealand Warriors vs Dolphins, Go Media Stadium
Saturday 8pm: Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys, Allianz Stadium
Sunday 4pm: Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters, CommBank Stadium
Panthers are minor premiers!
Another win in the bank for the Panthers and another minor premiership.
The shield was brought down to the sideline with two minutes left in the match and Ivan Cleary was smiling up in the box.
The Panthers finished 38-10 winners.
It’s a McLean hat-trick!
Wow this Penrith left-edge has been lethal today!
Casey McLean beat at least four defenders after some more beautiful ball movement by the Panthers.
“Boy he can move,” Billy Slater said on Nine.
That’ll be the minor premiership sealed now.
McLean has a double
Well that might seal it for Penrith!
Patrick Herbert took a run and was hit perfectly by Jack Cole, which dislodged the ball.
Casey McLean then ran away to cross for his double.
That’s a rather telling moment considering Blaize Talagi was dropped for his defence. Jack Cogger replaced him but has been out and Talagi hasn’t regained his spot.
Instead, Cole has been preferred by Ivan Cleary, mainly for his defence.
You can tell why now.
Tigers are in again
Seems like the change from Benji Marshall to put Latu Fainu on for Jarome Luai has sparked the Tigers.
Fainu has a try assist to his name now after running the ball on the left before passing to Solomone Saukuru who scored on the edge.
“Don’t unwrap that (minor premiership) shield just yet, they’re not done,” Billy Slater said on Nine.
Jock Madden converts and the Panthers now lead 26-10.
