NRL finals fixtures 2025: Semi final schedule surprise due to AFL GF as Raiders on the brink

The 2025 semi-finals are locked in with a schedule surprise from the NRL.

After losing to the Broncos in golden point, the Raiders will host the Sharks on Saturday night, allowing the winner to face the Storm in a preliminary final on the following Friday night – avoiding the next day’s AFL Grand Final.

But it means the Raiders would cop two six-day breaks in a row heading into a potential prelim.

Earlier, the Storm beat the Bulldogs in their qualifying final, sending them into a do-or-die semi final against the Panthers – who took care of business against the wounded Warriors.

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See the 2025 NRL finals fixtures, plus see how the NRL finals system works below. All times AEST.

NRL 2025 FINALS FIXTURES (All times AEST)

WEEK 1 – QUALIFYING AND ELIMINATION FINALS – SEPTEMBER 12-14

2nd Qualifying Final: Storm (2nd) def Bulldogs (3rd), 26-18

Friday September 12, 7.50pm at AAMI Park

2nd Elimination Final: Panthers (7th) def Warriors (6th), 24-8

Saturday September 13, 4.05pm at Go Media Stadium

1st Elimination Final: Sharks (5th) def Roosters (8th), 20-10

Saturday September 13, 7.50pm at Shark Park

1st Qualifying Final: Broncos (4th) def Raiders (1st), 29-28 after golden point

Sunday September 14, 4.05pm at GIO Stadium

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WEEK 2 – SEMI-FINALS – SEPTEMBER 19-20

First Semi Final: First Qualifying Final loser (Raiders) vs First Elimination Final winner (Sharks)

Date and time TBC (likely Saturday 7:50pm) at GIO Stadium

Second Semi Final: Second Qualifying Final loser (Bulldogs) vs Second Elimination Final winner (Panthers)

Date and time TBC (likely Sunday 4:05pm) at Accor Stadium

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WEEK 3 – PRELIMINARY FINALS – SEPTEMBER 26-27

Second Preliminary Final: Second Qualifying Final winner (Storm) vs First Semi Final winner (Broncos or Sharks)

Date and time TBC (likely Friday 7:50pm) at AAMI Park

First Preliminary Final: First Qualifying Final winner (Broncos) vs Second Semi Final winner (Bulldogs or Panthers)

Date and time TBC (likely Saturday 7:50pm) at Suncorp Stadium

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NRL GRAND FINAL 2025

Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final

Sunday October 5, 7:30pm at Accor Stadium

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WHEN IS THE NRL GRAND FINAL?

The NRL finals series got underway on Friday September 12.

The 2025 NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday October 5 at 7:30pm from Accor Stadium.

HOW THE NRL FINALS SYSTEM WORKS

The winners of the two qualifying finals advance to host the two preliminary finals, while two teams are eliminated each week until the Grand Final.

The loser of the First Qualifying Final (1st vs 4th) hosts the winner of the First Elimination Final (5th vs 8th) in the First Semi Final.

The loser of the Second Qualifying Final (2nd vs 3rd) hosts the winner of the Second Elimination Final (6th vs 7th) in the Second Semi Final.

The winner of the First Qualifying Final (1st vs 4th) hosts the winner of the Second Semi Final (2nd, 3rd, 6th or 7th) in the First Preliminary Final.

The winner of the Second Qualifying Final (2nd vs 3rd) hosts the winner of the First Semi Final (1st, 4th, 5th or 8th) in the Second Preliminary Final.

The winners of the two Preliminary Finals face off in the 2025 NRL Grand Final.