The wait is over for NRL fans in Ireland. On Sunday, October 4, Accor Stadium in Sydney hosts the 2026 NRL Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights.
The Roosters are back in a decider for the first time since 2019, powered by halfback Sam Walker’s remarkable return from injury just 27 days after surgery.
The Knights, wooden spooners in 2025, have pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in finals history and are chasing their first premiership since 2001.
The season began with a historic double-header in Las Vegas on March 1, and it all comes down to this one unmissable showdown.
When & Where Is the NRL Grand Final Happening?
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NRL · Grand Final Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights |
Sun 4 Oct | ||||||
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How to Watch the NRL Grand Final in Ireland for Free
9Now is an Australian free-to-air service that provides free & live streaming of the NRL Grand Final 2026 on Channel 9’s platform.
Unfortunately, 9Now is unavailable in Ireland due to geo-restrictions. To watch the NRL Grand Final live, you’ll need to use a reliable VPN to bypass these restrictions.
Here’s how to watch the NRL Grand Final in Ireland for free via 9Now:
Step 1: Subscribe to a reliable VPN service (Surfshark is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device
Step 3: Open the app and connect to the Australia server.
Step 4: Visit 9Now and click on Log in.
Step 5: Enter your email.
Step 6: Set up your account.
Step 7: Enter your information (e.g., email and Australian postcode 2010).
Step 8: Click on Create Account
Step 9: Verify your account.
Step 10: Search for “NRL” and click on “NRL Grand Final”
Step 11: Select the Grand Final from the live & upcoming section.
Step 12: Enjoy watching when it goes live!
Best Ways to Stream the NRL Grand Final in Ireland
The NRL Grand Final is broadcast live across multiple platforms. Below are the top recommended options for accessing the 2026 decider.
1. Watch NRL (Premium)
Watch NRL is the official international streaming service for rugby league fans outside Australia. Here you can watch the NRL Grand Final live and on demand in Ireland with no blackouts.
The platform offers flexible plans: AUD $24/week, AUD $44/month, or AUD $229/year for full access, with the option to stream on 2 devices simultaneously without any VPN needed.
2. Sky Sports (Premium)
Sky Sports is a major sports broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. It holds the official broadcasting rights for the NRL 2026 season in the region, including full coverage of the Grand Final.
You can subscribe to Sky Sports for €37/month, or access all 12 Sky Sports channels in HD on NOW with a Sports Extra plan for €17/mo.
Read More: How to Watch Sky Go in Ireland
How the Roosters and Knights Reached the NRL Grand Final
Here’s how both sides booked their place in the 2026 decider:
| Team | Road to the Grand Final |
|---|---|
| Sydney Roosters | Semi-final: beat Cronulla 46–10 Preliminary final: beat Dolphins 36–20 |
| Newcastle Knights | Elimination final: beat South Sydney 20–10 Semi-final: beat Warriors 12–10 Preliminary final: beat Penrith |
How to Watch the NRL Grand Final in Ireland on a Mobile Phone
You can watch the NRL in Ireland on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event via the NOW TV app. The channels are available with the NOW Sports Plans. All you need is NOW mobile app for Android and iOS devices and an active subscription to watch the NRL Grand Final.
Here’s how to watch the NRL Grand Final in Ireland via the Now TV app:
Step 1: Download the Now TV app from the Play Store or APK
Step 2: Open the app and click on the sidebar
Step 3: Choose Sports Membership
Step 4: Select your plan and click Claim offer
Step 5: Click Checkout
Step 6: Create your account by clicking Continue to checkout or sign in with your existing one
Step 7: Enter your credentials
Step 8: Choose your payment plan and enter your credentials to subscribe. Enjoy streaming!
Other Sports to Watch in Ireland
You can also watch the following sports in Ireland:
- Watch UFC in Ireland
- Watch NHL in Ireland
- Watch French Ligue 1 in Ireland
- Watch CFL in Ireland
- Watch MLS in Ireland
- Watch WNBA in Ireland
- Watch Liga MX in Ireland
FAQs – NRL Grand Final 2026
1. When is the 2026 NRL Grand Final?
The 2026 NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, kicking off at 7:30 PM AEDT (9:30 AM IST) at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
2. Who is playing in the NRL Grand Final?
The Sydney Roosters face the Newcastle Knights. The Roosters are in their first decider since 2019, while the Knights are chasing their first premiership since 2001.
3. How can I watch the NRL Grand Final live in Ireland?
You can watch the Grand Final live on Sky Sports via Sky or NOW, or on Watch NRL, the official international streaming service.
4. Can I watch the NRL Grand Final for free in Ireland?
Yes. 9Now streams the Grand Final free with ads in Australia, and you can access it from Ireland with Surfshark.
5. Who won the 2025 NRL Grand Final?
The Brisbane Broncos are the reigning premiers after defeating the Melbourne Storm in the 2025 NRL Grand Final.
Conclusion
The 2026 NRL season comes to a close with the Grand Final on October 4 at Accor Stadium, where the Roosters and Knights will battle for the premiership.
Irish fans can watch the NRL Grand Final through both free & premium services like 9Now (Free with a VPN), Watch NRL, and Sky Sports.
However, I recommend using Surfshark to unblock geo-restricted services like 9Now.
