Dally M Awards headline Fox League and Kayo Sports NRL Grand Final week – Fox League and Kayo Sports have set a full rugby league schedule for NRL Grand Final week, led by the 2026 Dally M Awards, the Prime Minister’s XIII double-header and live coverage across Grand Final day.
The week shifts Fox League’s focus from its regular nightly shows to the biggest individual awards and matches of the season. It also gives viewers one place for the major build-up programs, both grand finals and the Fox League call of the men’s decider.
For Australian rugby league fans, the value is in the sequence. The coverage begins with the Dally M red carpet on Wednesday and continues through preview shows, international fixtures and Sunday’s finals. Therefore, the schedule works as a single Grand Final week guide rather than a collection of separate announcements.
Dally M Awards take over Wednesday night
The 2026 Dally M Awards will screen exclusively on Fox League and stream on Kayo Sports on Wednesday night. The event celebrates the players, coaches and moments that shaped the NRL and NRLW seasons.
Yvonne Sampson returns to host the awards in her tenth year at Fox League. She will be joined by Braith Anasta, Cooper Cronk, Shaun Johnson, Lara Pitt and 2021 Dally M medallist Emma Verran.
The Red Carpet Show begins at 7.30pm with Eloise Sohier and Jake Duke. The main awards ceremony follows at 8pm. Earlier in the evening, NRL 360 airs at 6.30pm.
Matty Johns’ emotional message to the Knights ahead of the 2026 NRL Grand Final. Video: Fox League
Thursday previews both Grand Finals
Thursday’s schedule starts with NRLW on Fox – Grand Final Preview at 7pm. Lara Pitt and Tiana Penitani Gray will examine the women’s decider and the key match-ups that could shape it.
At 7.30pm, Finals Footy with Matty Johns – Grand Final Edition brings Matty Johns, Bryan Fletcher, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Matt Gidley together. It is the program’s final word before Sunday’s matches.
The special follows the end of the 2026 seasons for NRL 360, Matty & Cronk and The Fan. As a result, the Thursday editions become the main studio bridge between the Dally M Awards and the weekend action.
Prime Minister’s XIII double-header on Saturday
International rugby league joins the schedule on Saturday 3 October. Australia meets Papua New Guinea in both Prime Minister’s XIII matches.
- 12.15pm: Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII – Australia v Papua New Guinea
- 2.05pm: Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII – Australia v Papua New Guinea
The double-header gives the weekend a live international lead-in before attention returns to the domestic finals on Sunday.
Fox League’s NRL Grand Final day schedule
Fox League’s Grand Final day begins at 1pm with the 2026 State Championship Final. The NRLW Grand Final follows live from 3pm, with Lara Pitt and Tiana Penitani leading the coverage.
From 6pm, NRL Finals Footy on Fox League – NRL Grand Final Preview delivers the final build-up. Yvonne Sampson will be joined live by Kevin Walters, Greg Alexander and Michael Ennis.
At 10pm, Fox League will show the 2026 NRL Grand Final with its own call. Andrew Voss will call the match alongside Greg Alexander and Michael Ennis.
Grand Final week schedule at a glance
- Wednesday: NRL 360 at 6.30pm, Dally M Red Carpet Show at 7.30pm and the Dally M Awards at 8pm.
- Thursday: NRLW on Fox – Grand Final Preview at 7pm and Finals Footy with Matty Johns at 7.30pm.
- Saturday: Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII at 12.15pm and Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII at 2.05pm.
- Sunday: State Championship Final at 1pm, NRLW Grand Final at 3pm, NRL Grand Final Preview at 6pm and the Fox League Grand Final call at 10pm.
Fox Sports expects a record season finish
Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley said Grand Final week is the game’s biggest celebration. He pointed to the Dally M Awards, the final Matty Johns program and the network’s Sunday previews as the centre of the coverage.
“We have enjoyed another record-breaking year on Fox League and this week presents a chance to finish true to form, delivering the best build up for fans ahead of Sunday’s match with the best team of rugby league presenters and experts.”
The full Grand Final week schedule is available on Fox League and Kayo Sports. Times are Australian Eastern time and may be subject to change.
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