If you expected the 2025 NRL to be a Penrith Panthers procession to a fifth title in a row, you’ve been severely disappointed/delighted (delete according to team preferences) by a fascinatingly close regular season. Below we have all the information on how to watch NRL Finals Series from anywhere, with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and more.
The Canberra Raiders topped the ladder standings at the end of the regular season to claim a first minor premiership title since 1990, despite a leaky defense that ranks as the sixth-best in the league and could be their undoing. Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes provide verve and talent.
Melbourne Storm would be expected to run the Raiders close, but lost star halfback Jahrome Hughes to a broken forearm in the final weekend which won’t help a general lack of cohesion for Craig Bellamy’s side. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have a great defense but their form has nosedived since topping the standings midseason.
Brisbane Broncos could go deep, with coach Michael Maguire meat-and-two-veg tactics taking a fit team into the last eight, with chances of injured quartet Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Selwyn Cobbo and Xavier Willison making a return.
In the bottom four, four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers are the big name as they seek to become the first winners from the lower end since Canterbury in 1995. Though inconsistent, they have Nathan Cleary, which means title-winning form. The Panthers face New Zealand Warriors first up, who haven’t been the same since Luke Metcalf’s ACL injury.
Elsewhere, Cronulla Sharks must overcome a 1-5 finals record under Craig Fitzgibbon, while eighth-placed Sydney Roosters have genuine attacking talent, with James Tedesco likely to win a second Dally M medal as the league’s best player
Read on below for a complete guide to where to watch NRL live streams online, on TV and potentially for free.
Watch NRL Finals Series for FREE
Great news, footy fans Down Under – all NRL Finals Series games are on free-to-air Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia.
To keep up to date with the games being broadcast and start times head to 9Now’s sports schedule page.
What if you’re abroad? Use NordVPN to watch your usual streaming service from anywhere.
How to watch any NRL Finals Series stream using a VPN
This handy piece of software can make your device appear as if it’s back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 70% discount.
How to watch NRL Finals Series live streams in the US
In the US, each of the NRL Finals Series games will be shown on FOX Soccer Plus.
If you don’t get the channel with cable, FOX Soccer Plus is available via over-the-top streaming service Fubo, which starts at $94.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though new users get $20 off their first month.
Alternatively, FOX Soccer Plus is available through the International Sports Plus add-on for the Pro ($64.99/month) and Elite ($84.99/month) plans.
If you’re traveling outside of the US, you can make use of NordVPN to catch the action.
How to watch NRL Finals Series live streams in the UK
In the UK, every game of the NRL Finals Series is being shown on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports packages start from £22 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now (formerly Now TV). Now Sports memberships start at £14.99 for a day pass, or £34.99 monthly.
If you’re a UK resident but traveling outside the country you can use a VPN to catch the action from abroad.
How to watch NRL Finals Series live streams in Australia
As alluded to earlier all games in the NRL Finals Series are on free-to-air Channel 9 in Australia, with live streaming available via 9Now.
Similarly, every game, as they have been all season, is also live on Foxtel. Kayo Sports offers a streaming option for Foxtel if you’ve cut the cord, with plans starting from $30 a month after you’ve taken advantage of its first month for $1 offer or 7-day free trial.
If you’re currently out of Australia but want to watch NRL live streams, you’ll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.
How to watch NRL Finals Series live streams in Canada
Rugby fans in Canada can watch every NRL Finals Series game on Sportsnet.
You can either watch Sportsnet on TV, or via the Sportsnet Plus streaming service, which starts at $24.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
Outside Canada during the 2025 NRL season? Simply use a VPN to watch from abroad.
NRL Finals Series next games
Friday, September 12th
Second qualifying final: Melbourne Storm (2nd) v Canterbury Bulldogs (3rd) at AAMI Park, 7pm AEST / 5am ET / 2am PT / 10am BST
Saturday, September 13th
Second elimination final: Warriors (6th) v Penrith Panthers (7th) at Go Media Stadium, 3.30pm AEST / 1.30am ET / 10.30pm PT (Fri) / 6.30am BST
First elimination final: Cronulla Sharks (5th) v Sydney Roosters (8th) at Sharks Stadium, 7pm / 5am ET / 2am PT / 10am BST
Sunday, September 14th
First qualifying final: Canberra Raiders (1st) v Brisbane Broncos (4th) at GIO Stadium, 3.30pm / 1.30am ET / 10.30pm PT (Fri) / 6.30am BST
How do the NRL Finals Series work?
Week 1: Qualifying and Elimination Finals
The top eight teams from the ladder standings at the end of the regular season are split into two groups of four.
In the top four, 1st place hosts 4th place, and 2nd hosts 3rd in the Qualifying Finals. The winners advance straight to Week 3’s preliminary finals, while the losers go to Week 2’s semifinals.
In the bottom four, 5th hosts 8th, while 6th hosts 7th in the Elimination Finals. The winners go to Week 2’s semifinals and the losers are out.
Week 2: Semifinals
The loser of the first Qualifying Final hosts the winner of the first Elimination Final in Semifinal. In semifinal two, it’s the loser of the second Qualifying Final at home against host the winners of the second Elimination Finals. The losers of these matches go home.
Week 3: Preliminary Finals
The winner of the first Qualifying Final (from Week 1) hosts the winner of the second Semifinal. The winner of the second Qualifying Final (also from Week 1) hosts the winner of the first Semifinal.
Week 4: Grand Final
The winners of the respective Preliminary Finals meet in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 5th at Accor Stadium, Sydney.
Can I follow the NRL Finals Series on my mobile?
Of course! Each of the major broadcasters has streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key moments from the 2025 NRL season on the official social media channels on TikTok (@NRL), YouTube (@NRL) and Instagram (@NRL).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
