The Sydney Roosters claimed their 16th premiership in a thrilling NRL Grand Final, overcoming a 12-point deficit to defeat the Newcastle Knights by a single point. The victory ends Newcastle’s Cinderella season and marks Sydney’s first title since 2019.
Played at a sold-out Accor Stadium, the match saw inspirational Roosters captain James Tedesco lead the side, while Mark Nawaqanitawase delivered a standout performance ahead of his switch to rugby union.
Newcastle raced into a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Francis Manuleleua and Kalyn Ponga, who grounded the ball after a stunning length-of-the-field run. However, the Roosters fought back through Nawaqanitawase and Billy Smith, with Sam Walker converting a penalty to give Sydney the lead.
Nawaqanitawase, known as ‘Marky Mark’, added another try to put the Roosters ahead 18-12. Daly Cherry-Evans, playing in his 15th year since winning his first premiership, kicked a crucial field goal to extend the advantage. Although Greg Marzhew scored a late try for Newcastle, converted by Sandon Smith, the Roosters held on for the win.
Cherry-Evans, now the oldest Grand Finalist in history, said: “I didn’t do anything. I’m so grateful. Thank you so much for the support. It’s been an amazing journey. I’m so lucky.”
Nawaqanitawase praised the Knights’ resilience: “Credit to the Knights, they fought for 80 minutes there.”
The match took place amid serious off-field concerns, as Newcastle CEO Peter Parr had expressed deep worry after a vehicle struck a crowd of NRL fans in Wallsend the previous day. Police reported 10 injuries, including several children, with one five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man in critical condition. An 18-year-old driver was arrested.
The win marks the fourth Grand Final trophy under long-term coach Trent Robinson for the Roosters, one of two clubs still competing since the competition’s inception in 1908.
Such sad news regarding the incident in Wallsend. Glad the game went ahead but my heart goes out to those families.
I missed this match entirely. Was it really that close at the end?
Cherry-Evans is a legend. What a way to cap off such an incredible career.