how do the nrl finals work

The NRL Finals series is a four-week playoff format involving the top eight teams from the regular season. It includes the following stages:

• Week 1: Four Qualifying and Elimination Finals

  • 1st Qualifying Final: 1st vs 4th
  • 2nd Qualifying Final: 2nd vs 3rd
  • 1st Elimination Final: 5th vs 8th
  • 2nd Elimination Final: 6th vs 7th
    Winners of the Qualifying Finals go straight to Week 3 (Preliminary Finals). Losers of Qualifying Finals get another chance in Week 2. Losers of Elimination Finals are out.

• Week 2: Semi-Finals

  • Winners of Elimination Finals face the losers of the Qualifying Finals.
    Losers are eliminated. Winners advance to Preliminary Finals.

• Week 3: Preliminary Finals

  • Winners of Qualifying Finals face winners of Semi-Finals.
    Winners here advance to the Grand Final.

• Week 4: Grand Final

  • The two Preliminary Final winners play for the premiership.

This structure ensures top four teams have a "double chance," while teams ranked 5-8 face sudden elimination in their first finals match. The winner of the Grand Final at the end of Week 4 is crowned NRL champion.