Ranking every NRL grand final

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

The Sydney Roosters will face the Newcastle Knights in the NRL grand final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, with the Roosters aiming for their first premiership since 2019 and the Knights making their first appearance since 2001. This matchup highlights a clash between the Roosters' established success and the Knights' surprising resurgence after years of struggle, setting the stage for a compelling contest.

The National Rugby League (NRL) grand final scheduled for Sunday at Sydney’s Accor Stadium will see the Sydney Roosters face off against the Newcastle Knights in a matchup that has surprised many in the lead-up to the event. The Roosters, a club with a storied history and 16 premierships—including five in the NRL era—secured their place in the final with a 36-20 victory over the Dolphins, marking their ninth grand final appearance since 2000. Their most recent premiership victories came in 2002, 2013, 2018, and 2019.

The Knights, by contrast, have a more modest record, having won two titles in 1997 and 2001, the last time they reached the grand final. They earned their spot in this year’s decider with a stirring 22-14 upset against the Penrith Panthers, notably playing over 45 minutes one player down after Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary, who suffered a serious compound fracture during the match. The club has struggled in recent years, finishing last and receiving the wooden spoon on four occasions since their last premiership.

NRL grand finals have often been memorable not just for the play on the field but also for moments of controversy and emotional highs. Past finals have featured dramatic comebacks, contentious referee decisions, and performances that have entered rugby league folklore. Among the most debated was the 1999 penalty try awarded to the Melbourne Storm, which helped secure their victory in only their second season. Another notable moment occurred in 2019, when a referee’s “six-again” call was reversed, disrupting the Canberra Raiders’ momentum and allowing the Roosters to score a decisive try.

The history of the NRL era has seen dominant teams like the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers establish sustained success. The Panthers recently cemented their dominance by winning four consecutive titles, a feat not seen since the St George Dragons of the 1950s and 1960s. The Storm have been consistent finalists and champions, despite setbacks such as their 2010 salary cap scandal, which led to temporary stripping of titles.

Other classic finals include the 2015 showdown between the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos, widely regarded as one of the most thrilling grand finals, decided only in golden point after a last-second comeback. The 2016 premiership win by the Cronulla Sharks ended a 50-year drought for the club, thanks to a resolute defensive effort.

Emerging talents have also made their mark in recent finals. Nathan Cleary’s instrumental role in the Panthers’ 2023 comeback and Reece Walsh’s heroic performance in a 2025 grand final victory for the Broncos highlight the impact of standout individuals amid high-pressure contests.

The upcoming final between the Roosters and Knights represents another chapter in the evolving narrative of the NRL. The Tigers’ blend of tradition and success contrasts with the Knights’ gritty resurgence, promising a compelling contest that adds to the rich history of rugby league’s showcase event.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.