Kalyn Ponga’s 95-metre try in front of 80,814 spectators became the defining moment of a tightly contested NRL grand final, yet it also sparked significant debate over a contentious high tackle earlier in the match. The Newcastle Knights captain’s dash to the tryline came just five minutes after he collided with Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley in a tackle that many viewed as dangerously high.
The incident occurred in the 24th minute when Radley charged into the Knights’ 25-metre zone. Ponga’s left arm made contact with Radley’s chin, a connection that was clearly visible in multiple replays. While similar tackles during the season have typically led to sin-binning, the video referee Chris Butler opted not to issue a sin-bin to Ponga. This decision provoked frustration among Roosters supporters, who believed the tackle warranted a stricter penalty. Radley, notably, remained on the field and did not require a Head Injury Assessment.
Five minutes later, Ponga capitalized on his continued presence on the field. From near his own try line, he intercepted a Roosters kick and sprinted unchallenged down the field to score, putting Newcastle ahead 12-6 at halftime. The try was especially pivotal given the Roosters’ dominance in possession and territory throughout the remainder of the match, which saw them hold approximately 85 percent of the ball in the second half.
The Roosters responded by executing a tactical game plan, focusing on high kicks aimed at exhausting the Knights’ backline defenders. Despite Newcastle’s resilience and defensive effort, which included more than 100 additional tackles compared to their opponents, the side ultimately succumbed to Sydney’s pressure.
Roosters captain James Tedesco also played a crucial role, delivering a standout performance with over 300 metres run and nine tackle busts, the highest on the field. He joined four other players — Daniel Tupou, Victor Radley, Angus Crichton, and Nat Butcher — who were part of the Roosters’ 2019 premiership-winning side.
Reflecting on the result, Ponga expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the disappointment of defeat. “It hurts so much,” he said. “I know we did them proud. We’ll be back. We weren’t winning field position, the amount of pressure they put on us, they were too good in the end. I’m proud of this club, this community. This coaching staff, these players worked so hard. It hurts.”
The heated discussion surrounding the high tackle and the referee’s decision not to sin-bin Ponga underscored the challenges officials face in interpreting and applying rules on high-contact incidents in such a high-stakes environment. While some supporters viewed the decision as a match-defining error, others pointed to Radley’s ability to continue playing without injury as a mitigating factor.