The Newcastle Knights reached their first grand final in 25 years after staging a comeback against the Penrith Panthers while playing with only 12 men for more than 45 minutes. Following the dismissal of Phoenix Crossland for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary, the Knights overcame a 14-6 halftime deficit to secure a 22-14 victory at Accor Stadium. The match saw Cleary suffer a compound fracture and ankle dislocation, marking a dramatic shift in momentum that carried Newcastle from last year's wooden spoon position to the premiership decider.
The upcoming final represents a clash between the glamour of the Bondi-based Roosters and the working-class club from the Hunter region. While the Knights are riding a wave of attention following their unlikely win, the Roosters appear motivated to claim their 16th first-grade title. Reporters note that some within the Roosters hierarchy are reportedly unhappy with the lack of focus on their own campaign, potentially creating an even more dangerous opponent for the Newcastle side.
The Sydney Roosters punched their ticket to the grand final by defeating the Dolphins 36-20. The club, which has won 16 premierships in total, is chasing its first title since 2019. The Knights enter the fixture seeking their third overall championship, having last tasted victory in 2001. The Roosters have reached nine grand finals since 2000, while the Knights are the first team to reach a decider from outside the top four since 2017.
Fans and players now prepare for the match on Sunday at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. The contest promises to settle the debate between a resilient Newcastle squad and the historically successful Roosters.