A planned player cleanout at Newcastle is being questioned after the Knights qualified for their fourth NRL finals series in five years.

Brisbane snuck up on ladder-leading Cronulla in round eight of the NRLW season before Newcastle scored their biggest-ever win.

Brisbane snuck up on ladder-leading Cronulla in round eight of the NRLW season before Newcastle scored their biggest-ever win.

Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien expects a tense finish to his side's must-win match against the Dolphins, with the winner guaranteed a berth in the NRL...

Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien expects a tense finish to his side's must-win match against the Dolphins, with the winner guaranteed a berth in the NRL...

Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen is back for the qualifying final against Cronulla, who are out to snap their finals losing streak.

Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen is back for the qualifying final against Cronulla, who are out to snap their finals losing streak.

Manly will be forced to face Canterbury at Accor Stadium in the opening week of the NRL finals, after being beaten 40-20 by Cronulla.

Manly will be forced to face Canterbury at Accor Stadium in the opening week of the NRL finals, after being beaten 40-20 by Cronulla.

Cronulla five-eighth Braydon Trindall has endured a tumultuous NRL season but heads into the finals on the back of career-best form.