Rugby League

Roosters beat Knights to claim sweet 16th in NRL

By Scott Bailey

Oct 4, 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase. — The Sydney Roosters have come from behind to beat the Knights in the NRL decider. -AAP Image

The Sydney Roosters are back on top of the NRL, coming from behind to claim their first premiership in seven years with a 19-18 defeat of Newcastle.

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After they trailed 12-0 just before halftime at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, the Roosters dominated the second half before having to hold on late for their 16th title.

The result ended a fairytale run for the Knights, who had rode a wave of emotion after going from wooden spooners last year to enter the finals in seventh spot.

Rugby-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase scored a double, getting the Roosters on the board before halftime and backing it up with another with 20 to play.

Front-rowers Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte were both great up front, while Daly Cherry-Evans slotted a field goal to make it 19-12 with 10 minutes to play.

It marked the 32nd and final one-pointer of Cherry-Evans' career, and proved the difference when Greg Marzhew crossed with three minutes to play.

The drop goal also ensured Cherry-Evans would finish his NRL career as the game's oldest premiership winner in 104 years.

Kalyn Ponga was the Knights' best, while Newcastle spent much of the game resiliently defending their own line before the pressure eventually told.