2021 NRL finals series

Last updated
2021 NRL finals series
Duration10 September 2021 – 3 October 2021
Teams8
Premiers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers
Minor premiers Melbourne colours.svg Melbourne Storm
Matches played9
Broadcast partners Nine Network
Fox League

The 2021 National Rugby League finals series was a tournament staged to determine the winner of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season. The series was played over four weekends in September and October, culminating in the 2021 NRL Grand Final on 3 October 2021. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales the grand final was played outside of Sydney for the first time in competition history, at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. [1]

Contents

The top eight teams from the 2021 NRL season qualified for the finals series. NRL finals series have been played under the current format since 2012.

Qualification

PosTeamPldWDLBPFPAPDPts
1 Melbourne colours.svg Melbourne Storm 2421031815316+49944
2 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers (P)2421031676286+39044
3 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs 2420041775453+32242
4 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 2416081744492+25234
5 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters 2416081630489+14134
6 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels 2415091566457+10932
7 Newcastle colours.svg Newcastle Knights 24120121428571−14326
8 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Gold Coast Titans 24100141580583−322
9 Cronulla colours.svg Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24100141520556−3622
10 Canberra colours.svg Canberra Raiders 24100141481578−9722
11 St. George colours.svg St. George Illawarra Dragons 2480161474616−14218
12 Auckland colours.svg New Zealand Warriors 2480161453624−17118
13 Wests Tigers colours.svg Wests Tigers 2480161500714−21418
14 Brisbane colours.svg Brisbane Broncos 2470171446695−24916
15 North Queensland colours.svg North Queensland Cowboys 2470171460748−28816
16 Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2430211340710−3708

Venues

As a result of the 2021 NRL season's relocation to Queensland due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales and Victoria, all the finals matches were hosted in Queensland with stadiums at full capacity, with the only exception being the grand final at 75% capacity as a result of local COVID-19 cases and Queensland Government restrictions. [2] [3] This saw Rockhampton and Mackay host their first finals matches, whilst Queensland Country Bank Stadium also played host to their first finals at the venue.

Brisbane Mackay Rockhampton
Suncorp Stadium BB Print Stadium Browne Park
Capacity: 52,500Capacity: 12,200Capacity: 8,000
Suncorp Stadium.jpg DragonsCowboys15.jpg
Games: 3Games: 2Games: 1
Sunshine Coast Townsville
Sunshine Coast Stadium Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Capacity: 12,000Capacity: 25,000
Sunshine Coast Stadium.jpg QCB Stadium.jpg
Games: 1Games: 2

Finals structure

The system used for the 2021 NRL finals series is a final eight system. The top four teams in the eight receive the "double chance" when they play in week-one qualifying finals, such that if a top-four team loses in the first week it still remains in the finals, playing a semi-final the next week against the winner of an elimination final. The bottom four of the eight play knock-out games – only the winners survive and move on to the next week. Home ground advantage goes to the team with the higher ladder position in the first two weeks and to the qualifying final winners in the third week.

In the second week, the winners of the qualifying finals receive a bye to the third week. The losers of the qualifying final plays the elimination finals winners in a semi-final. In the third week, the winners of the semi-finals from week two play the winners of the qualifying finals in the first week. The winners of those matches move on to the Grand Final. [4]

Bracket

Qualifying and elimination finalsSemi-finalsPreliminary finalsGrand Final
10 September – Sunshine Coast
1 Melbourne colours.svg Melbourne Storm 40
4 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 1217 September – Mackay
Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 42
11 September – Townsville Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters 625 September – Brisbane
5 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters 25 Melbourne colours.svg Melbourne Storm 6
8 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Gold Coast Titans 24 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers 103 October – Brisbane
Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers 14
12 September – Rockhampton 24 September – Brisbane South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs 12
6 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels 28 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs 36
7 Newcastle colours.svg Newcastle Knights 2018 September – Mackay Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 16
Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers 8
11 September – Townsville Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels 6
2 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers 10
3 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs 16

Summary

HomeScoreAwayMatch Information
Date and TimeVenueRefereeCrowd
Qualifying & Elimination Finals
Melbourne Storm Melbourne colours.svg 40 – 12 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Friday, 10 September, 7:50pm Sunshine Coast Stadium Grant Atkins9,120
Sydney Roosters Eastern Suburbs colours.svg 25 – 24 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Gold Coast Titans Saturday, 11 September, 5:40pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium Adam Gee 15,237
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 10 – 16 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs Saturday, 11 September, 8:05pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium Gerard Sutton 18,244
Parramatta Eels Parramatta colours.svg 28 – 20 Newcastle colours.svg Newcastle Knights Sunday, 12 September, 4:05pm Browne Park Ashley Klein 5,087
Semi-Finals
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg 42 – 6 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters Friday, 17 September, 7:50pm BB Print Stadium Gerard Sutton 5,824
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 8 – 6 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels Saturday, 18 September, 7:50pm BB Print Stadium Ashley Klein 6,011
Preliminary Finals
South Sydney Rabbitohs South Sydney colours.svg 36 – 16 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Friday, 24 September, 8:05pm Suncorp Stadium Ashley Klein 26,249
Melbourne Storm Melbourne colours.svg 6 – 10 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers Saturday, 25 September, 4:00pm Suncorp Stadium Gerard Sutton 29,011
Grand Final
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 14 – 12 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs Sunday, 3 October, 6:30pm (AEST), 7:30pm (AEDT) Suncorp Stadium Gerard Sutton 39,322

Qualifying & Elimination Finals

1st Qualifying Final (Melbourne v Manly Warringah)

The First Qualifying Final saw the 1st placed Melbourne Storm against the 4th placed Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. This was the fifth finals meeting between these clubs and the first since the 2012 Preliminary Final.

First qualifying final
Friday, 10 September
19:50 AEST (UTC+10)
Melbourne Storm Melbourne colours.svg 40 12 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Tries:6
Papenhuyzen Ru ball.svg 39', 45'
Lumelume Ru ball.svg 3'
K Bromwich Ru ball.svg 10'
Welch Ru ball.svg 14'
Olam Ru ball.svg 77'
Goals:7
Papenhuyzen Rugby penalty.svg 5', 15', pen 24', 40', 47', pen 61', 78'(7/8)
Field goals:1
Papenhuyzen Rugby penalty.svg 80' (2 pt)
1st: 24–6
2nd: 16–6
Tries:2
Saab Ru ball.svg 31', 51'
Goals:2
Garrick Rugby penalty.svg 32', 53'(2/2)
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Attendance: 9,120
Referee: Grant Atkins
Bunker: Ashley Klein
Touch judges: Todd Smith, Peter Gough

Team lists:
FB1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
WG2 George Jennings
CE3 Reimis Smith
CE4 Justin Olam
WG5 Isaac Lumelume
FE6 Cameron Munster
HB7 Jahrome Hughes
PR8 Jesse Bromwich (c)
HK9 Brandon Smith
PR10 Christian Welch
SR11 Felise Kaufusi
SR12 Kenneath Bromwich
LK13 Dale Finucane
Substitutes:
IC14 Harry Grant
IC15 Tui Kamikamica
IC16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
IC17 Nicho Hynes
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Tom Eisenhuth
Coach:
Craig Bellamy
FB1 Tom Trbojevic
WG2 Jason Saab
CE3 Brad Parker
CE4 Morgan Harper
WG5 Reuben Garrick
FE6 Kieran Foran
HB7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
PR8 Josh Aloiai
HK15 Karl Lawton
PR10 Martin Taupau
SR11 Haumole Olakau'atu
SR12 Josh Schuster
LK13 Jake Trbojevic
Substitutes:
IC14 Dylan Walker
IC16 Sean Keppie
IC17 Taniela Paseka
IC20 Curtis Sironen
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Moses Suli
Coach:
Des Hasler

1st Elimination Final (Sydney v Gold Coast)

The First Elimination Final saw the 5th placed Sydney Roosters against the 8th placed Gold Coast Titans. This was the second finals meeting between these clubs after meeting in the 2010 Preliminary Final.

First elimination final
Saturday, 11 September
17:40 AEST (UTC+10)
Sydney Roosters Eastern Suburbs colours.svg 25 24 Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Gold Coast Titans
Tries:4
Ikuvalu Ru ball.svg 24'
Tedesco Ru ball.svg 32'
Tupou Ru ball.svg 42'
Morris Ru ball.svg 60'
Goals:4
Keighran Rugby penalty.svg pen 11', 34', 43', 61'(4/5)
Field goals:1
Walker Rugby penalty.svg 78'
1st: 12–6
2nd: 13–18
Tries:4
Fermor Ru ball.svg 40'
Fa'asuamaleaui Ru ball.svg 47'
Kelly Ru ball.svg 55'
Wallace Ru ball.svg 69'
Goals:4
Fogarty Rugby penalty.svg pen 14', 48', 56', 71'(4/5)
Sin Bin: 1
Peachey Yellow card.svg 10'
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Attendance: 15,237
Referee: Adam Gee
Bunker: Steve Chiddy
Touch judges: Liam Kennedy, Chris Butler

Team lists:
FB1 James Tedesco (c)
WG2 Daniel Tupou
CE3 Josh Morris
CE4 Adam Keighran
WG5 Matt Ikuvalu
FE6 Drew Hutchison
HB7 Lachlan Lam
PR8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
HK9 Sam Verrills
PR15 Isaac Liu
SR11 Angus Crichton
SR12 Sitili Tupouniua
LK13 Victor Radley
Substitutes:
IC10 Siosuia Taukeiaho
IC14 Sam Walker
IC16 Egan Butcher
IC17 Fletcher Baker
Concussion Substitute:
RE18 Dale Copley
Coach:
Trent Robinson
FB1 Jayden Campbell
WG2 Phillip Sami
CE3 Brian Kelly
CE4 Patrick Herbert
WG5 Corey Thompson
FE6 Tyrone Peachey
HB7 Jamal Fogarty (c)
PR8 Jarrod Wallace
HK9 Mitch Rein
PR10 Moeaki Fotuaika
SR11 Kevin Proctor
SR12 Beau Fermor
LK13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Substitutes:
IC14 Erin Clark
IC15 Sam Lisone
IC16 David Fifita
IC17 Jaimin Jolliffe
Concussion Substitute:
RE18 Sam McIntyre
Coach:
Justin Holbrook

2nd Qualifying Final (Penrith v South Sydney)

The Second Qualifying Final saw the 2nd placed Penrith Panthers against the 3rd placed South Sydney Rabbitohs. This was the second finals meeting between these clubs and a rematch of the 2020 Preliminary Final.

Second qualifying final
Saturday, 11 September
19:50 AEST (UTC+10)
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 10 16 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tries:1
Crichton Ru ball.svg 9'
Goals:3
Cleary Rugby penalty.svg 10', pen 29', pen 40'(3/3)
1st: 10–10
2nd: 0–6
Tries:2
Walker Ru ball.svg 25'
Paulo Ru ball.svg 44'
Goals:4
Reynolds Rugby penalty.svg pen 4', 27', pen 35', pen 65'(4/5)
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Attendance: 18,244
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Bunker: Alan Shortall
Touch judges: Dave Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski

Team lists:
FB2 Stephen Crichton
WG5 Brian To'o
CE3 Paul Momirovski
CE4 Matt Burton
WG20 Charlie Staines
FE6 Jarome Luai
HB7 Nathan Cleary (c)
PR10 James Fisher-Harris
HK9 Apisai Koroisau
PR18 Matthew Eisenhuth
SR12 Kurt Capewell
SR17 Liam Martin
LK13 Isaah Yeo
Substitutes:
IC11 Viliame Kikau
IC14 Mitch Kenny
IC15 Spencer Leniu
IC16 Tevita Pangai Junior
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Izack Tago
Coach:
Ivan Cleary
FB1 Blake Taaffe
WG2 Alex Johnston
CE3 Dane Gagai
CE4 Campbell Graham
WG5 Jaxson Paulo
FE6 Cody Walker
HB7 Adam Reynolds (c)
PR8 Mark Nicholls
HK9 Damien Cook
PR10 Tevita Tatola
SR11 Keaon Koloamatangi
SR12 Jaydn Su'A
LK13 Cameron Murray
Substitutes:
IC14 Benji Marshall
IC15 Jacob Host
IC16 Thomas Burgess
IC17 Jai Arrow
Concussion Substitute:
RE21 Patrick Mago
Coach:
Wayne Bennett

2nd Elimination Final (Parramatta v Newcastle)

The Second Elimination Final saw the 6th placed Parramatta Eels against the 7th placed Newcastle Knights. This was the fourth finals meeting between these clubs and the first since the 2001 Grand Final.

Second elimination final
Sunday, 12 September
4:05pm
Parramatta Eels Parramatta colours.svg 28 – 20 Newcastle colours.svg Newcastle Knights
Tries:5
Ferguson Ru ball.svg 38', 48'
Blake Ru ball.svg 10'
Moses Ru ball.svg 36'
Penisini Ru ball.svg pen 77'
Goals:4
Moses Rugby penalty.svg 11', 38', 50', 78'(4/5)
1st: 16–10
2nd: 12–10
Tries:4
Tuala Ru ball.svg 2', 53', 58'
Hunt Ru ball.svg 25'
Goals:2
Clifford Rugby penalty.svg 27', 54'(2/4)
Browne Park, Rockhampton
Attendance: 5,087
Referee: Ashley Klein
Bunker: Grant Atkins
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Jon Stone

Team lists:
FB1 Clinton Gutherson (c)
WG2 Haze Dunster
CE3 Will Penisini
CE4 Waqa Blake
WG5 Blake Ferguson
FE6 Dylan Brown
HB7 Mitchell Moses
PR8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
HK9 Ray Stone
PR10 Junior Paulo
SR11 Shaun Lane
SR12 Marata Niukore
LK13 Nathan Brown
Substitutes:
IC14 Will Smith
IC15 Bryce Cartwright
IC16 Isaiah Papali'i
IC17 Makahesi Makatoa
Concussion Substitute:
RE20 Tom Opacic
Coach:
Brad Arthur
FB1 Kalyn Ponga
WG2 Enari Tuala
CE3 Kurt Mann
CE4 Bradman Best
WG5 Hymel Hunt
FE6 Jake Clifford
HB7 Mitchell Pearce
PR8 Jacob Saifiti
HK9 Jayden Brailey (c)
PR10 Daniel Saifiti
SR11 Tyson Frizell
SR12 Mitchell Barnett
LK13 Connor Watson
Substitutes:
IC14 Sauaso Sue
IC15 David Klemmer
IC16 Josh King
IC17 Brodie Jones
Concussion Substitute:
RE20 Simi Sasagi
Coach:
Adam O'Brien

Semi-finals

1st Semi-Final (Manly Warringah v Sydney)

The First Semi-Final saw the loser of the First Qualifying Final, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles against the winner of the First Elimination Final, the Sydney Roosters. This was the ninth finals meeting between the clubs and the first since the 2013 Grand Final.

Friday, 17 September
7:50pm
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg 42 6 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters
Tries:
Tom Trbojevic (6', 46') 2
Kieran Foran (12') 1
Daly Cherry-Evans (18') 1
Morgan Harper (32') 1
Dylan Walker (48') 1
Jason Saab (69') 1
Goals:
Reuben Garrick 7/7
(8', 14', 19', 34', 47', 50', 71')
1st: 24 6
2nd: 18 0
Tries:
1 (25') Matt Ikuvalu
Goals:
1/2 Adam Keighran
(40' pen)
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Attendance: 5,824
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Team lists:
FB1 Tom Trbojevic
WG2 Jason Saab
CE3 Brad Parker
CE4 Morgan Harper
WG5 Reuben Garrick
FE6 Kieran Foran
HB7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
PR8 Josh Aloiai
HK9 Lachlan Croker
PR16 Sean Keppie
SR11 Haumole Olakau'atu
SR12 Josh Schuster
LK13 Jake Trbojevic
Substitutes:
IC10 Martin Taupau
IC14 Dylan Walker
IC15 Karl Lawton
IC17 Taniela Paseka
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Moses Suli
Coach:
Des Hasler
FB1 James Tedesco (c)
WG2 Daniel Tupou
CE3 Josh Morris
CE4 Adam Keighran
WG5 Matt Ikuvalu
FE6 Lachlan Lam
HB7 Drew Hutchison
PR8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
HK20 Ben Marschke
PR10 Isaac Liu
SR11 Angus Crichton
SR12 Sitili Tupouniua
LK13 Victor Radley
Substitutes:
IC14 Sam Walker
IC15 Nat Butcher
IC16 Egan Butcher
IC17 Fletcher Baker
Concussion Substitute:
RE18 Dale Copley
Coach:
Trent Robinson
Officials:

Gerard Sutton (Referee)

Dave Munro (Touch Judge)

Todd Smith (Touch Judge)

Ashley Klein (Bunker)

2nd Semi-Final (Penrith v Parramatta)

The Second Semi-Final saw the loser of the Second Qualifying Final, the Penrith Panthers against the winner of the Second Elimination Final, the Parramatta Eels. This was the third finals meeting between the clubs and the first since the 2000 Semi-Final.

Saturday, 18 September
7:50pm
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 8 6 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels
Tries:
Kurt Capewell (17') 1
Goals:
Nathan Cleary 2/2
(18', 40' pen)
1st: 8 6
2nd: 0 0
Tries:
1 (11') Waqa Blake
Goals:
1/1 Mitchell Moses
(12')
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Attendance: 6,011
Referee: Ashley Klein
Team lists:
FB1 Dylan Edwards
WG2 Stephen Crichton
CE3 Paul Momirovski
CE4 Matt Burton
WG20 Brent Naden
FE6 Jarome Luai
HB7 Nathan Cleary (c)
PR8 Moses Leota
HK9 Apisai Koroisau
PR10 James Fisher-Harris
SR12 Kurt Capewell
SR17 Liam Martin
LK13 Isaah Yeo
Substitutes:
IC11 Viliame Kikau
IC14 Mitch Kenny
IC15 Scott Sorensen
IC16 Tevita Pangai Junior
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Izack Tago
Coach:
Ivan Cleary
FB1 Clinton Gutherson (c)
WG2 Haze Dunster
CE3 Will Penisini
CE4 Waqa Blake
WG5 Blake Ferguson
FE6 Dylan Brown
HB7 Mitchell Moses
PR8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
HK9 Ray Stone
PR10 Junior Paulo
SR11 Shaun Lane
SR12 Marata Niukore
LK13 Nathan Brown
Substitutes:
IC14 Will Smith
IC15 Isaiah Papali'i
IC16 Bryce Cartwright
IC17 Ryan Matterson
Concussion Substitute:
RE18 Makahesi Makatoa
Coach:
Brad Arthur
Officials:

Ashley Klein (Referee)

Phil Henderson (Touch Judge)

Jon Stone (Touch Judge)

Grant Atkins (Bunker)

Preliminary Finals

2nd Preliminary Final (South Sydney v Manly Warringah)

The Second Preliminary Final saw the winner of the Second Qualifying Final, the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the winner of the First Semi-Final, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. This was the fourteenth finals meeting between these clubs and the first since the 2019 Semi-Final.

Friday, 24 September
8:05pm
South Sydney Rabbitohs South Sydney colours.svg 36 16 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Tries:
Cody Walker (13', 29') 2
Jaxson Paulo (38', 60') 2
Alex Johnston (23', 80') 2
Campbell Graham (51') 1
Goals:
Blake Taafe 4/7
(14', 24', 31', 52')
1st: 22 0
2nd: 14 16
Tries:
2 (44', 77') Reuben Garrick
1 (74') Tom Trbojevic
Goals:
2/3 Reuben Garrick
(45', 78')
Sin Bin:
(68') Josh Aloiai
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 26,249
Referee: Ashley Klein
Team lists:
FB1 Blake Taaffe
WG2 Alex Johnston
CE3 Dane Gagai
CE4 Campbell Graham
WG5 Jaxson Paulo
FE6 Cody Walker
HB7 Adam Reynolds (c)
PR8 Mark Nicholls
HK9 Damien Cook
PR10 Tevita Tatola
SR11 Keaon Koloamatangi
SR12 Jaydn Su'A
LK13 Cameron Murray
Substitutes:
IC14 Benji Marshall
IC15 Jacob Host
IC16 Thomas Burgess
IC17 Jai Arrow
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Patrick Mago
Coach:
Wayne Bennett
FB1 Tom Trbojevic
WG2 Jason Saab
CE4 Morgan Harper
CE19 Moses Suli
WG5 Reuben Garrick
FE6 Kieran Foran
HB7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
PR8 Josh Aloiai
HK9 Lachlan Croker
PR16 Sean Keppie
SR11 Haumole Olakau'atu
SR12 Josh Schuster
LK13 Jake Trbojevic
Substitutes:
IC10 Martin Taupau
IC14 Dylan Walker
IC15 Karl Lawton
IC17 Taniela Paseka
Concussion Substitute:
RE21 Tevita Funa
Coach:
Des Hasler
Officials:

Ashley Klein (Referee)

Phil Henderson (Touch Judge)

Jon Stone (Touch Judge)

Grant Atkins (Bunker)

1st Preliminary Final (Melbourne v Penrith)

The First Preliminary Final saw the winner of the First Qualifying Final, the Melbourne Storm against the winner of the Second Semi-Final, the Penrith Panthers. This was the second finals meeting between these clubs and a rematch of the 2020 Grand Final.

Saturday, 25 September
4:00pm
Melbourne Storm Melbourne colours.svg 6 10 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith Panthers
Tries:
Ryan Papenhuyzen (63') 1
Goals:
Ryan Papenhuyzen 1/1
(65')
1st: 0 6
2nd: 6 4
Tries:
1 (3') Stephen Crichton
1 (43') Brian To'o
Goals:
1/2 Nathan Cleary
(5')
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 29,011
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Team lists:
FB1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
WG2 George Jennings
CE3 Reimis Smith
CE4 Justin Olam
WG5 Josh Addo-Carr
FE6 Cameron Munster
HB7 Jahrome Hughes
PR8 Jesse Bromwich (c)
HK9 Brandon Smith
PR10 Christian Welch
SR11 Felise Kaufusi
SR12 Kenneath Bromwich
LK13 Dale Finucane
Substitutes:
IC14 Harry Grant
IC15 Tui Kamikamica
IC16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
IC17 Nicho Hynes
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Tom Eisenhuth
Coach:
Craig Bellamy
FB1 Dylan Edwards
WG2 Stephen Crichton
CE3 Paul Momirovski
CE4 Matt Burton
WG21 Brian To'o
FE6 Jarome Luai
HB7 Nathan Cleary (c)
PR10 James Fisher-Harris
HK9 Apisai Koroisau
PR16 Tevita Pangai Junior
SR12 Kurt Capewell
SR17 Liam Martin
LK13 Isaah Yeo
Substitutes:
IC11 Viliame Kikau
IC14 Tyrone May
IC15 Scott Sorensen
IC19 Spencer Leniu
Concussion Substitute:
RE5 Brent Naden
Coach:
Ivan Cleary
Officials:

Gerard Sutton (Referee)

Dave Munro (Touch Judge)

Todd Smith (Touch Judge)

Ashley Klein (Bunker)

Grand Final

The Grand Final saw the winner of the First Preliminary Final, the Penrith Panthers, against the winner of the Second Preliminary Final, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. This was the third finals meeting between the two sides, after the 2021 Qualifying Final, and the first Grand Final played between the teams.

2021 NRL Grand Final
Sunday, 3 October
18:35 AEST (UTC+10)
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg 14 12 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tries:2
Burton Ru ball.svg 17'
Crichton Ru ball.svg 67'
Goals:3
Cleary Rugby penalty.svg 19', pen 33', 69'(3/3)
1st: 8–6
2nd: 6–6
Tries:2
Walker Ru ball.svg 21'
Johnston Ru ball.svg 75'
Goals:2
Reynolds Rugby penalty.svg 23', pen 45'(2/3)
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 39,322
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch judges: Dave Munro, Todd Smith
Clive Churchill Medal: Nathan Cleary (Penrith)
Team lists:
FB1 Dylan Edwards
WG2 Stephen Crichton
CE3 Paul Momirovski
CE4 Matt Burton
WG5 Brian To'o
FE6 Jarome Luai
HB7 Nathan Cleary (c)
PR8 Moses Leota
HK9 Apisai Koroisau
PR10 James Fisher-Harris
SR12 Liam Martin
SR17 Kurt Capewell
LK13 Isaah Yeo (c)
Substitutes:
IC11 Viliame Kikau
IC14 Tyrone May
IC15 Scott Sorensen
IC16 Spencer Leniu
Concussion Substitute:
RE18 Brent Naden
Coach:
Ivan Cleary
FB1 Blake Taaffe
WG2 Alex Johnston
CE3 Dane Gagai
CE4 Campbell Graham
WG5 Jaxson Paulo
FE6 Cody Walker
HB7 Adam Reynolds (c)
PR8 Mark Nicholls
HK9 Damien Cook
PR10 Tevita Tatola
SR11 Keaon Koloamatangi
SR12 Jaydn Su'A
LK13 Cameron Murray
Substitutes:
IC14 Benji Marshall
IC15 Jacob Host
IC16 Tom Burgess
IC17 Jai Arrow
Concussion Substitute:
RE19 Patrick Mago
Coach:
Wayne Bennett
Officials:

Gerard Sutton (Referee)

Dave Munro (Touch Judge)

Todd Smith (Touch Judge)

Grant Atkins (Bunker)

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Peta Hiku is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays as a centre, winger and fullback for Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, and New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Walker</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Dylan Walker is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a utility for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL), and has played for Australia and the New Zealand Maori at international level. After primarily playing at centre or five-eighth for the first 8 seasons of his career, Walker has developed into a specialist utility off the bench in recent years coming on as a lock forward or even hooker.

Apisai Koroisau is a Fiji international rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker and is the captain of the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series.

The 2014 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs season was the 80th in the club's history. Coached by Des Hasler and co-captained by Michael Ennis and Frank Pritchard, they competed in the National Rugby League's 2014 Telstra Premiership. Finishing the regular season 7th, the team reached the finals for the third consecutive year. They then went on to reach the 2014 NRL Grand final, in which they were defeated by the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Johnston (rugby league)</span> Australia & PNG international rugby league footballer

Alex Johnston is a professional rugby league footballer who primarily plays on the wing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. He has played for both Australia and Papua New Guinea at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cody Walker (rugby league)</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Cody Walker is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth and fullback for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addin Fonua-Blake</span> NZ & Tonga international rugby league footballer

Addin Fonua-Blake is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has played for both Tonga and New Zealand at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Knight</span> Australian rugby league footballer (born 1995)

Liam Knight is an Australian rugby league footballer who primarily plays as a prop or lock forward for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tevita Tatola</span> Tonga international rugby league footballer

Tevita Junior Tatola is a Tonga international rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Waddell</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Corey Waddell is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaxson Paulo</span> Samoa international rugby league footballer

Jaxson Paulo is a Samoa international rugby league footballer from New Zealand who plays as a winger for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 NRL Grand Final</span> NRL Grand Final

The 2021 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive and premiership-deciding game of the 2021 National Rugby League season in Australia. It was contested between the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday 3 October at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Penrith won the match 14–12 to claim their third premiership title, and their first since 2003. Penrith co-captain and halfback Nathan Cleary was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the official man of the match.

The 2022 National Rugby League finals series was a tournament staged to determine the winner of the 2022 Telstra Premiership season. The series was played over four weekends in September and October, culminating in the 2022 NRL Grand Final on 2 October 2022 won by the Penrith Panthers.

References

  1. "114-year first as Brisbane confirmed to host NRL Grand Final". Fox Sports. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  2. "Everything you need to know about finals: All venues announced". National Rugby League. 2021-09-11. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
  3. Walsh, Dan (2 October 2021). "Tickets to be refunded after government caps grand final crowd at 75%". NRL New. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  4. "NRL finals format explained: How do the NRL finals work?". The Roar. Retrieved 18 September 2020.