Roosters Edge Knights 19-18 to Win 2026 NRL Grand Final
The Sydney Roosters won the 2026 NRL grand final 19-18 against the Newcastle Knights on October 4, 2026, at Accor Stadium, secured by a late field goal from Daly Cherry-Evans. The result capped a dramatic evening of rugby league that contrasted an early Knights surge with a sustained Roosters comeback.
Kalyn Ponga Leads Early Knights Lead
The contest began with the Newcastle Knights seizing a 12-0 lead in the first half against the run of play. Kalyn Ponga produced a spectacular 95-metre try following a bat-back from Mark Nawaqanitawase. A Ponga masterclass defined the opening stanza, leaving the Roosters struggling to exit their own end as the Knights carried a 12-6 advantage into the interval.
Sydney Roosters Secure Narrow Victory
The momentum shifted decisively after the break as the Sydney Roosters worked their way back into the contest. Mark Nawaqanitawase crossed just before half-time, and Billy Smith powered over shortly after the restart. Nawaqanitawase added his second try following a ricochet off the upright, before Daly Cherry-Evans slotted a crucial one-pointer with 10 minutes remaining. Though Knights winger Greg Marzhew scored in the 77th minute to set up a grandstand finish, the Roosters successfully managed the late chaos to secure the 19-18 victory.
James Tedesco Wins Clive Churchill Medal
James Tedesco was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player on the ground after cleaning up two dangerous late kicks from the Knights. Tedesco delivered one of the best seasons of his career at age 33. In post-match remarks, Sam Walker reflected on the physical toll, noting that his surgically repaired ankle felt very sore after a hard-fought campaign. Sam Walker stated, You work so hard for this and I’m just over the moon,
adding, We had to be on the whole time, credit to them, that was an incredibly tough grand final,
and We’ve been an incredibly strong second half team all year and we had to use that.
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