A one-point final at Accor Stadium
Sydney Roosters 19, Newcastle Knights 18. That was the NRL Grand Final scoreline at Accor Stadium this Sunday, and it was decided by a drop goal. Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the crucial one-pointer late on, and the Roosters then held on through the closing minutes to break Newcastle hearts a few hours ago.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored twice for the winners and Billy Smith added the other try. Newcastle answered through Francis Manuleleua, Kalyn Ponga and Greg Marzhew. Ponga’s effort was a spectacular full-field try, and it kept the Knights within a single kick of the title until the final whistle.
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Cherry-Evans writes his own chapter
This is Sydney’s 16th premiership and their first since 2019. For Cherry-Evans it carries extra weight. He became the oldest Grand Finalist in history, and the drop goal that settled the contest came 15 years after his first premiership win.
“I’m so grateful,” he said afterwards. “It’s been an amazing journey. I’m so lucky.”
Nawaqanitawase signs off
The two-try performance doubled as a farewell. Nawaqanitawase played his last game in the NRL before returning to rugby union, where he may represent Australia at upcoming World Cups. He leaves with a Grand Final title and two tries in the biggest game of the season.
For Newcastle, the margin will sting. Ponga and Marzhew both found the line, the Knights finished a point short, and the title went the other way.
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