The Sydney Roosters are NRL premiers after holding off the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a Grand Final thriller. The Knights came out firing, racing to a 12-0 lead behind tries from Francis Manuleleua and Kalyn Ponga. But the Roosters responded before halftime through Mark Nawaqanitawase, who would finish the night with two tries.
Billy Smith then crossed after the break to bring the Roosters level before Sam Walker put them in front with a penalty goal. Nawaqanitawase’s second try extended the lead before Daly Cherry-Evans added a crucial field goal to make it 19-12.
Newcastle refused to go quietly. Greg Marzhew scored late to cut the deficit to one, but James Tedesco and the Roosters held their nerve to close it out.
For Spencer Leniu, the victory adds another piece of history. The Roosters forward now has four NRL premiership rings, three won with Penrith and now one with the Roosters. 🏆🏆🏆🏆
The Roosters are champions. The Knights came within one point.
Now, onto the Rugby League World Cup!!!
