The Sydney Roosters secured their fourth premiership under coach Trent Robinson with a narrow 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the NRL Grand Final held at Accor Stadium on Sunday night. The match concluded an impressive season for the Roosters and brought an end to the Knights’ unexpected run to the decider.
The Knights, missing their entire starting front row and star player Dylan Brown due to injury, had defied expectations by reaching the grand final just 12 months after finishing last in the league. Their journey included four consecutive finals matches on the road and a notable victory over the Penrith Panthers, despite being a player down for much of that match. Newcastle started strongly in the final, with Francis Manuleleua opening the scoring and Kalyn Ponga producing a memorable 95-metre try that energized their supporters. Ponga’s try, scored after intercepting a kick late in the first half and sprinting towards the Knights’ fans, proved a standout moment in the game and will likely be remembered as one of the grand final’s defining highlights.
The Roosters fell behind by 12 points early but gradually gained momentum through tactical adjustments and a potent attack led by winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who was playing his final NRL match before switching codes. Nawaqanitawase contributed two significant moments, including a kick that led to the Roosters’ first points and a try set-up following a grubber kick by veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. Cherry-Evans himself, a seasoned campaigner who won a grand final 15 years ago in his rookie season, sealed the win with a field goal that extended the Roosters’ lead to seven points with about 10 minutes remaining.
James Tedesco was influential throughout the match, running for an exceptional 305 metres and making a crucial interception in the final minutes to deny the Knights a last chance at victory. Off the bench, Spencer Leniu made a significant impact with powerful runs and a decisive tackle that forced an error from the Knights.
Despite their narrow loss, Newcastle earned praise for their resilience and determination, with coach Justin Holbrook lauded for transforming the team from wooden spooners to grand finalists within a year. The Knights showcased staunch defense for long periods and fought valiantly against a more experienced Roosters side.
The Roosters’ path to victory demonstrated their experience and depth, overcoming early adversity linked to the season-ending injury of young halfback Sam Walker six weeks earlier. Their strategy of attacking through the middle, combined with their aerial prowess, ultimately proved effective against an underdog team that had captured widespread support.
The grand final attracted a crowd of 80,814, generating a vibrant and intense atmosphere, particularly fueled by the Knights’ passionate fans. The event was also marked by an emotional incident involving the hospitalisation of several supporters, adding further poignancy to what was a closely contested and memorable final.