Story perspectives

Newcastle Knights Reach NRL Grand Final After 22-14 Win

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 12:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Knights Reach Final

The Newcastle Knights beat the Penrith Panthers 22-14 to reach the NRL grand final.
Phoenix Crossland was sent off, leaving the Knights with 12 players.
Nathan Cleary suffered a catastrophic leg break in the first half.
Ticketmaster sold out tickets within minutes and resale seats listed at $350 each.
Coach Justin Holbrook said the crowd’s energy helped secure the win.

Summary

Crossland Pleads Guilty

Phoenix Crossland will plead guilty at the NRL judiciary hearing on 2026-09-29 at 6 pm AEST.
Panel chair Geoff Bellew said Crossland’s culpability was significant despite lacking intent.
Newcastle director Chris James called the tackle a horrible accident at speed under fatigue.
Nathan Cleary urged fans to stop abusing the Knights’ number nine online.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, after the Super League war, the NRL launched a unified competition and established the NRL Judiciary to enforce on-field discipline. Chaired by Supreme Court Justice Geoffrey Bellew since 2015, the panel heard Phoenix Crossland’s guilty plea this month, showing the same process. That inaugural season involved 20 clubs and a $3 million salary cap, foundations still used today.

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Knights Reach Final

The Newcastle Knights beat the Penrith Panthers 22-14 to reach the NRL grand final.
Phoenix Crossland was sent off, leaving the Knights with 12 players.
Nathan Cleary suffered a catastrophic leg break in the first half.
Ticketmaster sold out tickets within minutes and resale seats listed at $350 each.
Coach Justin Holbrook said the crowd’s energy helped secure the win.

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