2025 NRL finals: Here's all you need to know

So much can happen in Round 27. It’s a weekend filled with what-ifs, with teams on the fringe desperately trying to secure a place in the finals.

Here are the key lineups for those still in contention for the 2025 NRL Premiership.

Following several disciplinary breaches under coach Michael Maguire, the Broncos face a tough challenge against the second-placed Melbourne Storm tonight (Thursday) at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off’s at 9.50pm.

Maguire has dropped winger Gehamat Shibasaki for breaching team protocol by reportedly arriving intoxicated at Monday’s training session. But Storm head coach Craig Bellamy insists Brisbane’s internal issues do not change the task ahead.

“It doesn’t matter what’s happened during the week, Bellamy told reporters. “It’s what’s going to happen on the night. We know what sort of team they are - very talented team, got some real dangerous individuals.

“They can put plenty of points on you. They’ve got themselves in a good position on the table and obviously they want to hang on to that.”

Brisbane Broncos. Photo/Facebook

Coming off a 40-10 flogging to the Sydney Roosters last week, Bellamy and his side aim to execute a more clinical performance in Thursday night's clash.

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles’ slim finals hopes rest on Friday night’s meeting with the Warriors at Pines Park, Sydney. The game will mark veteran fullback Daly Cherry-Evans’ final outing for Manly.

After a controversial finish against Parramatta in Round 26, Warriors’ coach Andrew Webster says his focus is on effort rather than results.

“I know we’re an opportunity to come fourth or sixth, and whatever the outcome is, that’s fine. If we walk off the field happy with the way we played, that will be exciting heading into the playoffs,” Webster says.

Having recently celebrated his 350th game with the Sydney-based club, Webster says Friday’s match-up will be no easy feat and an emotional day for Cherry-Evans and the club.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of emotion and they have a tiny, tiny chance of making the eight, so they’ve got a lot to play for,” Webster says.

The grudge match of the round features the Sydney Roosters squaring off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs take pride in spoiling other teams’ seasons. With Cam Murray and Jack Wighton returning to the line-up, they’ll look to upset the eighth-placed Roosters and throw the finals race into disarray.

Ivan Cleary’s Penrith Panthers will return with a full-strength squad as they face the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Kick-off’s at 5pm.

Despite a decline in performance for the Dragons and controversy over the decision not to name halfback Lachy Ilias for their final match of the season, head coach Kyle Flanagan plans to stick with his First XIII.

With an 8-15 win-loss record this year, and having conceded 40 points in their last outing, the Dragons will face a tough battle against the four-time consecutive premiership winners.

Later on Saturday, the third-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs host the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with kick-off at 9.35pm.

While the Bulldogs’ finals position is locked in, a win for the Sharks could push them higher in the standings. Past results will have little bearing, especially with the playoffs approaching.

The final match with playoff implications sees the Minor Premiers, the Canberra Raiders, travelling to Kayo Stadium on Sunday to face the Dolphins. With their first top finish since 1990 already secured, the Raiders head into the Brisbane clash with a solid advantage.

Canberra Raiders are the 2025 Minor Premiers. Photo/Facebook

Possible Scenarios

• If the Broncos lose to the Storm and the Sharks beat the Bulldogs, Cronulla will secure a top-four spot.

• If both the Broncos and Sharks lose, and the Warriors beat Manly, the Warriors will move into fourth place.

• If the Roosters lose, the Dolphins can claim eighth place, provided they win by more than six points.