The Sydney Roosters triumphed in a thrilling grand final, narrowly overcoming the Newcastle Knights, who came close to achieving a remarkable premiership victory.
Despite the Roosters’ statistical superiority, the Knights led during the second half. Key highlights from the 2026 NRL grand final include the following moments:
1. Early kick hits Spidercam wire
In today’s sports broadcasts, various camera perspectives are commonplace. One favorite among rugby league viewers is the Spidercam, which provides an aerial view of the action. However, this camera, suspended by cables above the field, was not high enough to evade an early kick from Sydney Roosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans.
In what marked his last NRL game, Cherry-Evans executed a kick that struck the Spidercam cable. Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga remained composed as the ball altered its descent and fell to the ground, catching it effectively. A knock-on could have led to significant controversy.
2. Ponga escapes sin-bin for high tackle
Ponga was expected to be a pivotal player at Stadium Australia, but he found himself at the center of a contentious incident midway through the first half. The Knights captain appeared fortunate not to be penalized when his shoulder made contact with Victor Radley’s head during a tackle.
The Roosters expressed their discontent, leading to some altercations involving Naufahu Whyte and Jermaine McEwan. However, referee Adam Gee and the video review team decided against sending Ponga to the sin bin, which provoked further frustration.
3. From injury to scoring first try in five weeks
Francis Manuleleua had dislocated his elbow during Newcastle’s last home-and-away match on August 30. Just 35 days later, the 22-year-old from Auckland made a remarkable return by scoring the opening try of the grand final.
The Roosters initially appeared to control the game, but the Knights drew first blood as Manuleleua sprinted through a gap to score under the posts. Roosters defenders seemed preoccupied with Ponga, who was running wide, allowing a perfectly timed pass from Fletcher Sharpe to find Manuleleua for the score.
Commentator Luke Lewis remarked on the ease of the play, noting, “It looked way too easy… absolutely brilliant football.” The Knights capitalized on a penalty against Roosters prop Lindsay Collins for a head-high tackle, which replays suggested may have been misjudged by the referee.
4. Ponga’s 95-meter run ignites Knights fans
For the Knights to clinch the grand final, Ponga needed to shine, and he certainly did. He made a crucial defensive play midway through the first half, thwarting a certain Roosters try by knocking the ball from Mark Nawaqanitawase’s hands.
Minutes later, Ponga showcased his individual talent. Positioned near the right sideline, he dashed across the field as the Roosters attempted a kick to the opposite corner. Ponga intercepted a bouncing ball and sprinted 95 meters against the grain, evoking wild cheers from Knights supporters as he scored and put his team ahead 12-0.
5. Nawaqanitawase adds to his highlight reel
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has left an indelible mark on the NRL in just two seasons. The grand final was a significant moment for him as he prepares to return to rugby union. Nawaqanitawase got the Roosters on the scoreboard, displaying his soccer skills during their first try.
As the ball bounced toward him, he opted to kick it toward the in-goal area. Although his execution was somewhat awkward, Nawaqanitawase managed to control the ball and dashed to the goal line for a try, revitalizing the Roosters’ chances.
6. Experience shines as Cherry-Evans scores field goal
Daly Cherry-Evans’ transition from Manly to the Sydney Roosters was one of the offseason’s most talked-about moves. The former Queensland State of Origin captain proved his worth by guiding the Roosters to the grand final. With ten minutes remaining, Cherry-Evans demonstrated his experience by successfully kicking a field goal, extending the Roosters’ lead to seven points.
7. Marzhew scores, Knights fall just short
The Newcastle Knights displayed resilience, fighting until the final whistle in their quest to become the first team since the 1930s to transform from wooden spooners to premiers. With less than four minutes left and trailing by seven points, the Knights maintained their determination, exemplifying the spirit that characterized their 2026 campaign.
Left winger Greg Marzhew broke through two tackles to score, bringing the Knights within one point of the Roosters, showcasing their relentless effort in the closing minutes.
