NRL grand final 2026: Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights – live
Sydney Roosters aim for historic NRL double as Knights chase first premiership in 25 years at 2026 grand final
Source: Guardian Sport · October 4, 2026 at 8:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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SYDNEY, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —
Sydney Roosters aim for historic NRL double as Knights chase first premiership in 25 years at 2026 grand final
Market Impact
The Sydney Roosters will attempt to complete an unprecedented back-to-back premiership victory in the 2026 NRL grand final tonight, following their women’s side’s dominant 30-6 triumph over the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW decider earlier this week. The men’s final, featuring the Roosters against the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium, kicks off at 7:30pm AEDT (6:30pm AEST), marking the culmination of a season that has defied expectations for both clubs.
The stakes could not be higher for the Knights, who are chasing their first premiership in 25 years after finishing bottom of the ladder in 2025 with a -300 points difference. Their underdog story has captivated the league, with coach Justin Holbrook orchestrating a remarkable turnaround in both results and team culture.
Meanwhile, the Roosters—backed by a star-studded squad and tactical brilliance—seek to cement their legacy as the first club to win consecutive premierships in the NRLW and NRL in the same year.
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A season of reversals and resilience
The 2026 NRL campaign has been defined by unpredictability, with traditional powerhouses stumbling while long-suffering sides like the Knights and Roosters have thrived. The Knights, who entered the year as wooden spoon contenders, have transformed into a high-octane attacking force, while the Roosters—despite finishing eighth in 2025—have rejuvenated under a new leadership dynamic, featuring Queensland halves at opposite career stages.
The grand final itself is a clash of narratives: the Knights, buoyed by blue-collar grit and a fanbase hungry for redemption, face the Roosters, a team led by inspirational figures like Daly Cherry-Evans, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton, who are determined to end their careers with silverware. Only two players from the official NRL Team of the Year—Roosters’ Rob Toia and Naufahu Whyte—feature in tonight’s matchup, underscoring the season’s volatility.
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Key absences and tactical adjustments
The Knights’ starting hooker, Phoenix Crossland, serves a four-game suspension for a hip-drop incident in the preliminary final that ended Nathan Cleary’s season. Late replacement Thomas Cant will start in his place, with Harrison Graham—originally listed as the starting rake—entering the game around the half-hour mark.
Enforcer Jacob Saifiti remains suspended for four matches after a red card in round 26, while front-row duo Trey Mooney (shoulder injury) and Dylan Brown (ACL tear in round 21) are also sidelined.
The Roosters, meanwhile, are at near-full strength despite the absence of bench utility Connor Watson, who failed an HIA and is serving an 11-day stand-down. Benaiah Ioelu takes his place on the interchange, joining a bench that includes Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, and Hugo Savala.
Starting lineups:
Sydney Roosters: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Thomas Cant 10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mat Croker
Interchange: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Fletcher Hunt 20. Kyle McCarthy
Newcastle Knights: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley
Interchange: 15. Angus Crichton 16. Nat Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Hugo Savala 19. Cody Ramsey 20. Benaiah Ioelu
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Roosters’ women’s side set the tone with dominant grand final win
The Roosters’ bid for a historic double was bolstered by their women’s team, who secured a commanding 30-6 victory over the Broncos in the NRLW grand final. The Tricolours, who entered the match undefeated, dominated from the outset, scoring six tries in the first half alone.
Tarryn Aiken was named player of the match, while Brydie Parker delivered a hat-trick of tries, capping off a season that saw the Roosters correct last year’s grand final loss.
The victory ensures the Roosters become the first club in NRL history to win consecutive premierships in both the men’s and women’s competitions in the same year. With the men’s team now facing their own grand final showdown, the pressure—and excitement—is at an all-time high.
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Market and fan reaction: A grand final unlike any other
The 2026 NRL grand final has already generated unprecedented buzz, with bookmakers offering competitive odds reflecting the Knights’ fairytale rise and the Roosters’ premiership ambitions. The matchup has also reignited debates about the league’s growing unpredictability, as traditional giants like Penrith and the Warriors—who looked dominant at different stages of the season—failed to reach the final.
For the Knights, the emotional weight of the occasion cannot be overstated. Their fanbase, long deprived of success, has rallied behind a team that has redefined itself under Holbrook’s leadership. Meanwhile, the Roosters’ campaign has been marked by resilience, with key players like Cherry-Evans and Crichton using the platform to inspire a new generation of supporters.
As the two teams prepare for tonight’s decider, the focus remains on whether the Knights can defy the odds or if the Roosters will etch their names into NRL history with a first-ever double premiership. With the Clive Churchill Medal likely to be contested by standout performers from either side, the stage is set for a night of rugby league drama unlike any other.