Roosters Claim 19-18 Victory Over Knights in NRL Grand Final
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries to help the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights 19-18 on October 4, 2026, according to a report by theage.com.au. The match drew a crowd of 80,814 spectators and secured the Roosters their first premiership title in seven years.
Nawaqanitawase and Cherry-Evans drive Roosters to victory
The Roosters dominated early possession, forcing 84 per cent of the game to be played in Newcastle’s half. Despite the territorial advantage, it required individual brilliance from Nawaqanitawase to break the defensive deadlock. For his first try, he regathered a bobbling attacking kick batted back by teammate Rob Toia and kicked it ahead with both feet before scoring. He added a second try after a Daly Cherry-Evans kick ricocheted off the uprights. Cherry-Evans later kicked the decisive field goal, earning a fairytale farewell in the 13-man game alongside stellar performances from James Tedesco, who ran for more than 300 metres, and Spencer Leniu.
Newcastle’s Resilient Fightback Led by Kalyn Ponga
The Knights stayed competitive through their trademark resilience from their own half of the field. Fletcher Sharpe set up Francis Manuleleua for Newcastle’s opening try under the posts just three weeks after Manuleleua dislocated his elbow. Later in the match, Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga avoided a sin bin despite the video referee placing him on report for a high tackle on Victor Radley. During the period he remained on the field, Ponga denied Nawaqanitawase a try by creating a late bobble and subsequently intercepted a tap-back to run 95 metres for a length-of-the-field try.
What happened at the 2026 NRL grand final?
What was the final score of the 2026 NRL grand final?
The Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a thriller on October 4, 2026.
How many people attended the match?
A crowd of 80,814 spectators attended the grand final.
Who kicked the winning points for the Roosters?
Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the decisive field goal that proved the difference in the 19-18 victory.
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