Sydney Roosters 19–18 Newcastle Knights: Roosters survive Grand Final classic

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 taking home the Clive Churchill Medal.

Roosters dominate territory but Knights strike first

The first half statistics suggested a Roosters advantage, with the tricolours enjoying the majority of possession and territory. Yet despite spending long periods in attacking positions, they struggled to turn that pressure into points.

Newcastle, meanwhile, made their first real opportunity count. Following a contentious penalty, Francis Manuleleua ran a perfect line and went through untouched to put the Knights in front.

The Roosters continued to threaten, with Mark Nawaqanitawase producing one of several dangerous moments in the air. However, after initially appearing to pull off another piece of magic, the bunker found that he had dropped the ball.

Ponga produces a moment of brilliance

Kalyn Ponga was placed on report for a high tackle as the Knights endured some nervous moments, but the Newcastle captain soon produced one of the defining plays of the Grand Final.

After another Roosters high kick, Nawaqanitawase tapped the ball back, only for Ponga to collect it. Having just made a try-saving play at the other end of the field, Ponga raced 100 metres to score himself.

It was an extraordinary individual effort and gave Newcastle an 12-0 lead.

The Roosters finally got their aerial tactics right before half-time. Toia rose above Greg Marzhew and managed to offload to Nawaqanitawase, who had to soccer the ball before grounding it to get his side on the board.

Roosters turn the game around

The momentum continued to swing towards the Roosters after half-time. Newcastle were forced into repeated defensive efforts and eventually turned the ball over deep in their own territory.

Salesi Foketi kept the play alive before Billy Smith avoided being held up to score. Sam Walker converted from the sideline to bring the scores level at 12-all.

Just five minutes later, the Roosters moved ahead when Walker converted a penalty after Billy Smith was hit high.

Newcastle were suddenly under enormous pressure, but the Roosters also needed a touch of fortune to extend their advantage.

Just after the hour mark, Daly Cherry-Evans’ kick struck the post and ricocheted perfectly for James Tedesco. The Roosters captain recovered the ball and linked with Nawaqanitawase, who finished powerfully in the corner. Walker could not convert, leaving the Roosters 18-12 ahead.

Cherry-Evans gives Roosters breathing room

With ten minutes remaining, the Roosters appeared to have finally created enough separation.

Cherry-Evans’ experience came to the fore as he calmly slotted a field goal to make it 19-12, giving the tricolours a seven-point cushion.

Newcastle refused to surrender. The Roosters were denied twice in the closing stages, with Lindsay Collins held up before Nawaqanitawase was also stopped just short of the line.

Knights fall agonisingly short

Then came one final twist.

With three minutes remaining, Greg Marzhew crossed for the Knights, and Sandon Smith’s conversion reduced the deficit to just one point.

Suddenly, after spending much of the second half on the back foot, Newcastle were within touching distance of an extraordinary comeback.

The Knights threw everything they had at the Roosters in the final moments, but the defending held firm. Sydney survived the last assault and secured a 19-18 victory to lift the 2026 NRL premiership.