Andrew Johns analyses the brave performance of the Newcastle Knights.
Oct 4, 2026
We rate the performances of every player who took the field in Sunday’s NRL grand final between the Roosters and Knights.
Cross-code star Mark Nawaqanitawase added NRL premiership winner to his astonishing list of achievements on Sunday night.
The brave Knights fought until the bitter end, but the grand final could have been over much earlier had Kalyn Ponga been marched for a high shot on Victor Radley.
Retiring champion Daly Cherry-Evans boots a field goal to give the Roosters some extra breathing space.
Mark Nawaqanitawase claims his second try of the evening against the Newcastle Knights.
Roosters centre Billy Smith muscles over the tryline to level the scores with the Newcastle Knights.
Spencer Leniu comes firing in to tackle Newcastle's Dom Young and forces an error just metres out from the tryline.
Mark Nawaqanitawase shows off his epic football skills to pave the way to score a try for the Sydney Roosters.
Kalyn Ponga picks up a loose ball and runs the length of the field to extend the Newcastle Knights' lead.
Mark Nawaqanitawase drops the ball cold in the corner after being tackled by Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga.
Kalyn Ponga is lucky to avoid the sin bin after hitting Roosters gun Victor Radley high.
Mat Croker is left battered by a thumping hit from Lindsay Collins.
