Key Highlights:
- The Sydney Roosters claimed their 16th National Rugby League Premiership title with a narrow 19-18 Grand Final victory over the Newcastle Knights.
- Dual-code international Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries in his final NRL appearance before transitioning to Japanese rugby union.
- Newcastle came within a single point of completing a historic turnaround after attempting to become the first team since 1934 to win the Premiership following a bottom-placed finish the previous season.
Roosters Edge Out Knights in Thrilling Grand Final
The Sydney Roosters survived a spirited comeback from the Newcastle Knights to secure a dramatic 19-18 victory in the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final at Stadium Australia. Playing in front of a packed crowd of 80,814 spectators, the Roosters weathered late pressure to bring an end to Newcastle’s fairytale postseason charge and capture their first Premiership title since 2019, taking their historical tally to 16 club championships.
The Knights entered the showpiece match seeking their first Grand Final victory since 2001. A championship win would have also made Newcastle the first team since 1934 to lift the trophy directly after finishing at the bottom of the ladder in the preceding campaign. Despite trailing 12-6 at the interval, the Roosters found their rhythm through critical contributions across the park, with Sam Walker kicking three goals, Daly Cherry-Evans landing a decisive drop goal, and tries coming from Billy Smith alongside their departing wing sensation.
Mark Nawaqanitawase Delivers Decisive Swansong
Dual-code international winger Mark Nawaqanitawase proved to be the central figure in the contest, scoring a try in each half to disrupt Newcastle’s title ambitions. The Grand Final marked the 26-year-old’s final appearance in rugby league ahead of his impending departure to play club rugby union in Japan, bringing a triumphant conclusion to his two-year stint with the Roosters after initially crossing over from Super Rugby’s NSW Waratahs in 2024.
Newcastle refused to yield down the stretch, answering Roosters points with tries of their own from Gary Manuleleua, Kalyn Ponga, and Greg Marzhew, complemented by three conversions from Reimis Smith. Marzhew’s late four-pointer pulled the Knights within a single point, setting up a frantic final stand, but the Roosters managed to protect their slender lead until the final siren sounded.
Reflecting on the hard-fought championship win and his tenure with the club, Nawaqanitawase praised the opposition and celebrated his memorable exit.
Credit to the Knights, they fought for 80 minutes there,
said 26-year-old Nawaqanitawase. This is going to last me a lifetime. It’s sad to go, but I love everyone here, I love all the boys, and let’s celebrate this win, far out.
Why This Matters
The victory restores the Sydney Roosters to the peak of the National Rugby League, cementing their status among the competition’s most successful modern franchises after a five-year premiership drought. For Newcastle, the narrow loss concludes one of the most remarkable single-season revivals in modern rugby league history, falling just short of matching a 90-year-old league record.
On an individual level, Nawaqanitawase’s championship performance acts as a high-profile springboard back into the 15-a-side code. With his move to Japan finalized, his domestic double-try heroics position him strongly as he looks toward potential selection for Australia ahead of next year’s rugby union World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the NRL Grand Final?
The Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18, holding off a late charge to win by a single point.
What historic milestone were the Newcastle Knights chasing?
Newcastle were attempting to win their first Premiership since 2001 and become the first club since 1934 to win the NRL title the year immediately following a last-place finish.
Where is Mark Nawaqanitawase playing next?
Mark Nawaqanitawase is leaving the NRL and the Sydney Roosters to play rugby union in Japan, with potential aspirations to represent Australia at next year’s rugby union World Cup.
