Newcastle secured a spot in their first grand final in 25 years with a 22-14 victory over Penrith at Accor Stadium, playing with 12 men after hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off in the first half for a hip-drop tackle that resulted in a compound fracture and dislocation of the ankle for Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary.
The preliminary final matchup on Sunday began with intense focus on Cleary, whose right foot stress-related bone issues kept him on the bench for the initial 25 minutes. Just 10 minutes after entering the game, Cleary was brought down by Crossland, forcing medical staff to hold his foot in place before he left the ground on a medicab and was transported to hospital in an ambulance.
Penrith capitalised initially despite losing their star playmaker, building a 14-6 halftime lead. Jack Cogger opened scoring with an early grubber-kick for Blaize Talagi, and Lindsay Smith forced his way over for a try before the break.
Newcastle mounted a second-half comeback despite their numerical disadvantage. Bradman Best broke through Talagi to set up Francis Manuleleua for the opening try of the match. Early in the second half, Sandon Smith ran on the last tackle, combining with Dane Gagai and Manuleleua to send Dom Young over the try line.
With 20 minutes remaining, Sandon Smith took a quick tap following a high tackle by Billy Phillips, running 50 metres to score and put Newcastle ahead 16-14 amid protests from Panthers players over the tap. Defensively, Newcastle held firm with 12 men, featuring a try-saving play by Matt Croker diving on a kick with Kalyn Ponga out of position, and a strong tackle by Ponga on Moses Leota. In the final minute with Penrith on the attack, Sandon Smith intercepted a Liam Martin pass and ran 80 metres to score, sealing the 22-14 win.
The victory advances Newcastle to a grand final meeting with the Sydney Roosters next Sunday. As last year’s wooden spooners, Newcastle becomes the first team to reach a decider from outside the top four since 2017.