The Sydney Roosters have defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a thrilling 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.

The Knights started strongly in front of 80,814 fans and raced to a 12-0 lead, but the Roosters fought back before eventually securing the premiership in a match that went down to the final minutes.

Knights back-rower Francis Manuleleua opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Fletcher Sharpe delivered a pass to put him through a gap. Sandon Smith converted to give Newcastle a 6-0 lead.

Kalyn Ponga then extended the Knights' advantage in the 30th minute after collecting a Mark Nawaqanitawase tap-back from a high kick and racing 96 metres to score. Sandon Smith again converted to make it 12-0.

The Roosters responded through Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 36th minute. Nawaqanitawase put the ball on the toe after a Rob Toia tap-back and followed through to score. Sam Walker converted, reducing the deficit to 12-6 at half-time.

The Roosters continued their comeback early in the second half, with Billy Smith scoring in the 48th minute after breaking free from a Jermaine McEwen tackle. Walker converted to level the match at 12-12.

Sam Walker then added a penalty goal in the 54th minute to put the Roosters ahead 14-12.

Nawaqanitawase scored his second try in the 60th minute after a Daly Cherry-Evans grubber hit the upright and bounced to James Tedesco, who floated the ball over to his winger. Walker missed the conversion, leaving the Roosters with an 18-12 lead.

With 10 minutes remaining, Cherry-Evans produced a crucial moment by calmly slotting a field goal from 18 metres in the 70th minute to give the Roosters a 19-12 advantage.

The Knights refused to surrender.

In the 77th minute, Greg Marzhew crossed in the corner after Kalyn Ponga and Francis Manuleleua were heavily involved in the lead-up, with Bradman Best providing the final pass. Sandon Smith converted from the sideline to reduce the margin to 19-18.

The Knights continued to pressure the Roosters in the closing minutes, but the Roosters held on.

James Tedesco made a crucial play in the final minute, cleaning up a bouncing ball under pressure as the Roosters secured the one-point victory.

Tedesco was awarded the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal after producing a standout performance. The Roosters captain finished with 385 metres from 35 runs and 14 tackle breaks.

The victory gives the Roosters their first premiership since 2019, while Cherry-Evans secured his second premiership, 15 years after his first with the Manly Sea Eagles.

The Knights' forwards produced a major defensive effort throughout the contest. Mat Croker made 47 tackles, Cody Hopwood 46 and Jermaine McEwen 42, while Fletcher Sharpe made 29 tackles.

The Knights finished the match with 42 per cent of possession and were forced to make 120 more tackles than the Roosters, but continued to fight until the final siren.

The Roosters ultimately prevailed 19-18 in one of the closest Grand Finals, completing their comeback after trailing 12-0 early in the contest.

Source: NRL