Warriors fall short of minor premiership, learn first finals opponent

The Warriors have fallen just short of what would have been their second-ever minor premiership.

Going into the 27th and final round of the regular season, the Warriors were clear of the Panthers by just one on points differential.

After defeating the Sea Eagles 31-30 in Auckland to keep their place on top of the NRL ladder, the Panthers were left needing to beat the Tigers by two or more to finish in first.

They did just that, hammering the 15th-placed Tigers 38-10 in Sydney.

Penrith ran in seven tries including a hat-trick to Kiwi forward Casey McLean.

The result sees the Warriors finish in second, on 42 points with 18 wins and six losses.

However, coach Andrew Webster has maintained his side is chasing a much bigger carrot in 2026.

"There will be no one prouder if we happen to be minor premiers. It's a historical trophy and we'd be proud of it but not at the expense of what we need to do," Webster told media this week.

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The Warriors will meet the Redcliffe Dolphins in week one of the finals at Mount Smart at 6.05pm on Saturday night.

Elsewhere, the Panthers will host the Roosters on Sunday; the Rabbitohs will play the Knights on Friday; and the Sharks will be home to the Cowboys in Sydney, following the Warriors.