Seven of the eight teams have been confirmed for the 2025 NRL Finals series, but there’s still one spot to be decided in Round 27.
Check out the big games and talking moments for Round 27 this upcoming weekend.
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm, Thursday September 4 - 7.50pm AEST, Suncorp Stadium
The equation is simple for the Broncos - win and they’re lock in fourth spot and a double chance in the finals. The problem for the Broncos - they’ve lost 18 of their last 19 meetings with Melbourne. It sets up what should be a thrilling contest at Suncorp to launch Round 27 action. The Storm were left embarrassed in Craig Bellamy’s 600th game last week, leaking 40 second half points against the Roosters. That might be the worst thing that could have happened for the Broncos, because now Bellamy will demand a response from his team heading into the finals.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Friday September 5 - 8.00pm AEST, Allianz Stadium
Arguably the biggest and most-heated rivalry in Australian sport and another chapter is set to be written at Allianz on Friday night. The Roosters need to win in order to secure finals footy and the Bunnies would love nothing more than to spoil the party. It’s been a tough season for Souths with injuries, but they’ve got some troops back and you can rest assured knowing they will be throwing everything they have into this clash. The Roosters were brilliant in dismantling the Storm last week, but can they handle the immense pressure of this situation with everything on the line?
Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Saturday September 6 - 7.35pm AEST, Sharks Stadium
Important match for both teams before the finals. The Sharks are 2-9 vs top eight teams in 2025 and have done nothing to shake their ‘flat track bully’ tag. Canterbury meanwhile desperately need to find some cohesion and they didn’t really get much in facing a Panthers reserve grade side last week. The Dogs edged Cronulla earlier this season and the Sharks might be playing for a top four position if the Broncos slip up against Melbourne on Thursday.
Dolphins vs Canberra Raiders, Sunday September 7 - 2.00pm AEST, Kayo Stadium
This could potentially be the biggest game in the short history of the Dolphins. If Souths are able to beat the Roosters on Friday night, then the Dolphins know a win by a certain margin will be enough to propel them into the finals for the first time. Canberra secured the minor premiership last week and Ricky Stuart is likely to rest lots of key players ahead of the finals, so the Phins will have a fantastic opportunity if the finals are indeed on the line.