The second week of the reserve grade semi-finals has come and gone with enthralling rugby league in both the NSW Cup and QLD Cup.
In NSW, we had one grand final spot already secured whilst an upset in the Minor Semi Final has shaken up the premiership race. Meanwhile, both QLD Cup finals hosts secured narrow victories with plenty of discussion points to come out of the contests.
Newtown continue to defy the odds as future Sharks continue their rise
The shocks have kept on coming in the NSW Cup finals series as the Newtown Jets (feeder club for the Cronulla Sharks) pulled off a miraculous 26-25 upset victory over the North Sydney Bears at Leichhardt Oval.
Newtown finished the season in fourth position and have been in sudden-death matches throughout the finals series, whilst the Bears have crashed out in straight sets after finishing in second position.
The performance became a statement game for half-turned-fullback Taj Ford. The 21-year-old has been on a train-and-trial deal with the Sharks over the last two seasons, spending a majority of the 2026 season playing for the Jets either off the bench or in the halves.
Deputising for fullback and captain Liam Ison, who missed the game through injury, the highly touted Cronulla player stepped up to kick two field goals, first to level the scores at 25-all and then the game-winner with no time remaining to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Ford has the distinct ability to cover both fullback and in the halves, versatility that is key in the ever-adapting NRL landscape.
Also to have big performances were a young core of Sharks forwards who should be looking to move into the NRL roster next season. Prop Felix Faatili continued his impressive finals campaign with another huge performance off the bench, running for just under 100 metres, having two linebreaks and busting four tackles.
Also to shine was backrower Jaxon Lavender. The backrower came to the Jets from the Raiders and has been a staple of the NSW Cup side, earning a spot in The League Scene's NSW Cup Team of the Season. The 22-year-old should be on the radar of the Sharks on a low-risk deal with several forwards departing the club at the end of the year.
On that note, the club's current roster still has plenty of spots to fill for the 2027 season, with some of the players we've highlighted expected to earn promotions ahead of the upcoming season.
NRL 2027: Sharks squad tracker, best 19
PNG cult hero finds form at the right time
The Central QLD Capras have put last week's heartbreaking finals exit behind them to claim a dramatic 28-24 victory over the Ipswich Jets in Rockhampton.
One of the catalysts behind the victory was Papua New Guinea edge backrower Nixon Putt. Whilst he has hit the age of 30, the 15-time Kumul has been in rampaging form in 2026 as they reach their second preliminary final since 2022.
The 30-year-old was instrumental in the Capras side's semi-final victory, scoring for two tries, running for over 200 metres (for the sixth time this season), whilst busting four tackles and having three offloads. His second try to give the hosts the lead was the best of the bunch, crashing through several Jets defenders on his way to the line.
Putt is one of the veterans of the QLD Cup, having played over 150 games since debuting in the competition in 2017. Despite his age, he would be an ideal culture signing for the PNG Chiefs maiden NRL season as he would mentor some of the younger "homegrown" players that will be an integral part of the Chiefs in years to come.
Other talking points
The Penrith Panthers have become the first team into the NSW Cup Grand Final after a 44-20 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Young backrower Zakauri Clarke had a field day, showing his ability to run a great line in crossing for two tries. The brother of Storm rookie Cooper Clarke was the NSW Cup Second Rower of the Year and ran for over 100 metres, busting two tackles and setting up a try with a terrific offload.
Newcastle simply had no answers for the Penrith onslaught, particularly in the air as the Panthers had great success with their kicking game. One shining light was future Broncos winger Wilson De Courcey, who scored a great individual try and had three linebreaks on the day.
Meanwhile, Burleigh claimed a narrow 12-10 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks to book a clash against Redcliffe. The advancement to the penultimate stage of the finals series marks the sixth time in seven seasons (excluding 2020) that the club has made the preliminary final.
Making his case for a Cook Islands recall was Burleigh hooker Mason Teague. The future Wakefield signing has been in immense form this season and delivered another huge performance, running for over 120 metres and a linebreak whilst making a game-high 53 tackles.
NSW Cup Preliminary Final
Saturday September 19th - Newcastle Knights v Newtown Jets - 3:15pm - Kogarah
QLD Cup Preliminary Finals
Saturday September 19th - Sunshine Coast Falcons v Central QLD Capras - 2:10pm - Sunshine Coast Stadium
Sunday September 20th - Redcliffe Dolphins v Burleigh Bears - 2:10pm - Kayo Stadium.
