Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Matt Russell: Who will make the 2026 NRL Grand Final?
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • August 31st, 2026 1:53 pm
The Provan-Summons Trophy | Photo: Bianca De Marchi/Photosport
Fox Sports commentator Matt Russell has tipped the NZ Warriors and Penrith Panthers to meet in the NRL Grand Final, predicting another potential Cleary family reunion on the first Sunday in October.
Russell believes the Warriors and Panthers have separated themselves from the rest of the competition in recent months and are the teams best placed to go all the way.
“To me, it's the Warriors and the Panthers. They've been the best teams now for months and all going to form, they should be head-to-head on grand final day,” Russell told Sport Nation Mornings.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scores against the Penrith Panthers | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The sides have already met twice this year, with each team claiming a win, with the most recent encounter finishing with a Warriors win 28-12.
“I will say that the Dolphins are a real genuine wild card. If they finish top four with that attack, you need to be careful against the Phins.”
And other sides show concerns of being genuine contenders.
“The Roosters, their last fortnight worries me, the (Sam) Walker injury worries me.
“Cronulla, you can't win from outside the top four. History tells us that.
“Then you go to Souths, Newcastle, North Queensland making up the numbers,” he explained.
Jett Cleary makes his mark for the Warriors! | Sport Nation
Russell’s bold call comes after Jett Cleary produced a stunning NRL debut to help the Warriors defeat Newcastle and reclaim their position at the top of the NRL ladder.
Following the late news of Jett’s debut, his family including father (Penrith coach) Ivan and brother (Penrith halfback) Nathan flew to Auckland to experience their son and brother play.
“Jett Cleary's master class on debut, most try assist's on debut in the history of the Fox Sports lab.”
The rookie halfback’s performance helped the Warriors claim victory and edge Nathan and Ivan Panthers off top spot, creating an amusing ladder twist.
“It was quite amusing to watch that unfold yesterday,” Russell shared.
But it won’t be so lighthearted for long.
Jett Cleary celebrates his NRL debut with family | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
“Those scenes we saw yesterday of the Clearys and the Warriors at the same ground together, I reckon we might see that on the first Sunday in October as well, but there won't be as many smiles.”
“There won't be as much congeniality between the Cleary family and the Warriors maybe on that day because that'll be the grand final,” Russell claimed.
Listen to the full interview below:
