THE first week of the Rugby League Ipswich final series delivered plenty of excitement, with the battle for the premiership now down to three teams after two great clashes last weekend.
Minor Premiers Fassifern Bombers have booked their place in the Grand Final after producing another strong performance against the Norths Tigers, winning 34-20.
The Bombers, minus their No 7 Henri Stocks, have been the benchmark side throughout the 2026 season, and their victory over Norths gives them the reward they have worked towards all year – a place in the Grand Final at their home ground on September 13.
Fassifern has been rewarded with a weekend off and can start planning for the Grand Final, knowing it has earned the opportunity to compete for the Rugby League Ipswich premiership.
Its consistency throughout the season has been impressive, and the team will be confident heading into the decider.
For the Norths Tigers, however, the season is not over. Their defeat means they now face the pressure of the Preliminary Final, where their premiership hopes will be on the line.
Norths have shown throughout the season that they have the players and ability to challenge the best, and they will be determined to earn another shot at Fassifern.
In the other semi-final, last year’s premiers, the Redbank Plains Bears, kept their dream of back-to-back premierships alive with a hard-fought victory over Brothers by 26-18. The result was a tough one for Brothers, who fought throughout the season but now see their 2026 campaign come to an end.
For Redbank Plains, the win provides another chance to defend their title. The Bears know they must now overcome Norths in the Preliminary Final if they are to return to the Grand Final and challenge for another premiership.
With Fassifern waiting in the Grand Final, the stage is set for a huge Preliminary Final battle between Norths and Redbank Plains. One team will earn another chance at glory, while the other will see their season come to an end.
