As the dust settles on the 2026 NRL Grand Final and Newcastle reflects on a missed premiership opportunity, one debate refuses to disappear. Would the result have been different if Phoenix Crossland had played?

Edward Briggs The Sydney Roosters have claimed the 2026 NRL premiership after surviving a remarkable Newcastle Knights fightback to win 19-18 in one of the most courageous Grand Final performances imaginable. The Roosters controlled much of the opening half without turning their dominance into points, before Newcastle repeatedly found ways to stay alive. In the end, James Tedesco’s experience and a handful of crucial moments proved decisive, with the Roosters captain also tak

The two sides in the 2026 NRL Grand Final have been decided, with the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights emerging from two very different preliminary finals. The Roosters ended the Dolphins’ maiden finals campaign with a 36-20 win, while Newcastle produced a remarkable 22-14 comeback over Penrith despite playing the second half with 12 men.