Australian National Rugby League Grand Final
Sydney Roosters (6) 19
Tries: Nawaqanitawase 2, Smith Goals: Walker 3 Drop goal: Cherry-Evans
Newcastle Knights (12) 18
Tries: Manuleleua, Ponga, Marzhew Goals: Smith 3
Dual-code international winger Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries to help Sydney Roosters end the Newcastle Knights’ fairytale in the National Rugby League Premiership Grand Final.
Nawaqanitawase, who is stepping away from rugby league and could represent Australia at the rugby union World Cup next year, crossed once in each half to help prevent a big upset in front of a crowd of 80,814 at Stadium Australia.
Newcastle were looking to win a first title since 2001 and become the first club since 1934 to win the Premiership after finishing bottom in the previous season.
A late try from the Knights’ Greg Marzhew made it a one-point game, but the Roosters held on to clinch a 16th title and first since 2019 in what was Nawaqanitawase’s last game before moving to play union in Japan.
He played union for four years with Super Rugby’s Waratahs before switching to rugby league in 2024 to line up for the Roosters, and Sunday’s victory was the ideal sign-off as his two-year contract comes to an end.
“Credit to the Knights, they fought for 80 minutes there,” said 26-year-old Nawaqanitawase.
“This is going to last me a lifetime. It’s sad to go, but I love everyone here, I love all the boys, and let’s celebrate this win, far out.”