The New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights are squaring off in a high-stakes 2026 NRL semifinal at Eden Park in Auckland, with kick-off scheduled for 4:05pm AEST on Sunday, September 20. The winner earns a spot in next weekend's preliminary final against the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium in Sydney — the loser's season is over.
It is a contest with significant implications across the competition. The Roosters have already booked their place in the preliminary finals after a commanding 46-10 victory over Cronulla on Saturday night, setting up a Friday night clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane. That means the Warriors and Knights are now fighting for the right to face Penrith — one of the competition's most formidable sides — in what promises to be a blockbuster Sunday afternoon fixture.
Team News: Warriors Get Key Boost, Knights Unchanged
The Warriors have received an important boost ahead of the match, with 20-year-old Leka Halasima confirmed to start despite concerns over a hamstring complaint that emerged before last weekend's loss to the Dolphins. Halasima had been listed in jersey 22 when squads were named on Tuesday, and his fitness was uncertain heading into the week. He will now line up in the starting side for what will be his 50th NRL career appearance — a significant milestone for one of the competition's most exciting young talents.
Veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has also been named in the starting line-up, wearing the No.23 jersey, providing the Warriors with additional experience on the edges. The full Warriors side reads: Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, with Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava on the interchange.
The Knights, meanwhile, have named an unchanged squad from their Tuesday selection. Their line-up is headlined by fullback Kalyn Ponga and includes Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua and Mat Croker. The Knights have also been boosted by the return of Dylan Lucas, who had been managing a fractured ankle. The match will be officiated by referee Ashley Klein, with touch judges Phil Henderson and Tyson Brough, and Chris Butler serving as Senior Review Official.
Ponga the Key for Knights, Young the Wildcard
Few players in the competition carry the weight of expectation that Kalyn Ponga shoulders for the Knights. The Queensland State of Origin representative has been the defining figure in Newcastle's season, a responsibility that has only grown since the ACL injury that ended Dylan Brown's campaign earlier in the year. The high-profile recruit from the Eels had shown early promise before going down, leaving Ponga as the unquestioned focal point of the Knights' attack.
On the wing, Dominic Young adds another dimension to Newcastle's threat. The English winger, whose stint at the Roosters proved largely disappointing, has rediscovered his best form in the black and red of Newcastle, establishing himself as one of the more dangerous edge options in the competition.
For those wanting context on Newcastle's form heading into this finals campaign, the Knights' earlier victory over South Sydney offered a strong indication of their finals credentials.
Warriors Hold the Edge in 2026 Head-to-Head
History in 2026 firmly favours the Warriors heading into this semifinal. The two clubs have met twice this season, with Auckland winning both contests. In the round three clash in Newcastle, the Warriors ran out comfortable 38-12 winners, aided significantly by the Knights having two players sent to the sin bin. The second meeting, in round 26 at Mt Smart Stadium, was a more competitive affair despite the Knights again being reduced to 12 men — Jacob Saifiti was sent off in the 12th minute for a high shot that earned him a suspension for the remainder of the NRL season. Newcastle held their own for long periods before going down 46-32.
The Warriors are playing at Eden Park — a venue better known for rugby union — rather than their traditional home of Mt Smart Stadium, giving the contest an added sense of occasion and novelty for local fans.
What's at Stake: A Preliminary Final Berth
Sunday's winner will travel to Sydney to face the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final the following weekend at Accor Stadium. The Panthers, who defeated the Roosters 19-12 in their qualifying final, enter as strong favourites for the title and represent a formidable obstacle for either the Warriors or Knights. The loser of today's semifinal, however, will see their season come to an immediate end.
The Dolphins, who defeated the Warriors 26-16 last weekend, will face the Roosters in the other preliminary final in Brisbane. More on their 2026 campaign can be found in the 2026 Dolphins (NRL) season overview. With the competition narrowing rapidly, the pressure on both the Warriors and Knights could not be higher as Eden Park prepares to host its first NRL finals fixture.
