Full Breakdown
Roosters Secure 16th Premiership with One-Point Victory over Knights
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Overview
In a dramatic NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium, the Sydney Roosters edged the Newcastle Knights 19-18 to claim their 16th premiership. The Knights surged to a 12-0 lead early in the first half, but the Roosters rallied before halftime and ultimately held on after Daly Cherry-Evans kicked a decisive field goal in the closing minutes. The match was decided by a late try from Greg Marzhew with three minutes remaining, giving the Roosters a one-point margin.
Background & Context
Newcastle entered the decider after a “Cinderella” season that saw them rise from wooden-spooners to Grand Finalists, the first such turnaround in 90 years. The Knights were seeking to become the second team ever to win the premiership after finishing last the previous season. The Roosters, under coach Trent Robinson, were aiming for their first title since 2019 and their 16th overall, moving into second place on the all-time ladder.
Key Statistics
- Final score: Sydney Roosters 19, Newcastle Knights 18.
- Half-time score: Knights 12, Roosters 6.
- Possession: Roosters 57 % vs Knights 43 %.
- Running metres: Roosters 286 m vs Knights 166 m.
- Tackle busts: Roosters 30 vs Knights 11.
- Tries: Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters) – 2; Greg Marzhew (Roosters) – 1; Billy Smith (Roosters) – 1; Kalyn Ponga (Knights) – 1; others contributed points through conversions and the field goal.
Official Statements & Responses
Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco was praised for his leadership and high-ball work, earning the Clive Churchill Medal. Daly Cherry-Evans, playing his final NRL season, highlighted the team’s belief and gratitude after the win, noting the field goal “made the difference.” The club’s media release emphasized the historic nature of the comeback, describing the final minute as “another grandstand finish.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The journey is all about the ups and downs and it's so amazing to finish here,” — Daly Cherry-Evans
- “It was really hard to feel positive yesterday, but I think, yeah, it feels good today. There's good vibes around.” — Ms Barker
- “One thing I do know is that Cooper Cronk as a halfback is someone that inspired me throughout my career because of how good he was and how successful he was,” — Daly Cherry-Evans
- “The belief that we've had in this squad and the town backing us, I can't put into words what it's been like this year,” — Billy Smith
- “My mum has moved in with me to be able to help me get back to footy and support me through all of it,” — Millie Elliott
- “She’s a pretty quiet sort of person off the field, but on the field she’s very vocal as a real leader,” — John Strange, promotion roosters coach