Overview

• Scott Sorensen clashed heads with Blaize Talagi in the opening minutes at Suncorp Stadium and was deemed category-one by the NRL’s independent doctor.
• A category-one assessment prevents a return and triggers an 11-day stand-down; Sorensen later passed the Panthers’ HIA but remained sidelined.
• Penrith played a man down in hot conditions and lost 16-14 to Brisbane in the preliminary final, ending their four-year premiership run.
• Coach Ivan Cleary called the decision a "huge call," and the club had considered seeking a grand final exemption before deciding not to query the ruling.
• Brisbane’s NRLW side beat Newcastle 30-6 to reach the grand final against the Sydney Roosters, extending a defensive streak of conceding six points or fewer in four straight games.