NRL Grand Final: Daly Cherry-Evans kicks crucial drop goal as Sydney Roosters hold on by one point to break Newcastle Knights hearts

Hull FC-bound Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the crucial drop goal as the Sydney Roosters held on by one point to break Newcastle Knights hearts in a dramatic NRL Grand Final.

The Roosters overturned a 12-point deficit to deny Newcastle a fairytale ending to their Cinderella season and claim a 16th premiership after a thrilling Grand Final in Sydney.

Inspirational captain, James Tedesco, and a show-stopping performance from Mark Nawaqanitawase, who could represent Australia at ‌both the league and union World Cups over the next 12 months, handed the Red White and Bluesters their first title since 2019.

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Cherry-Evans, who was playing 15 years after his first premiership medallion, said. "I didn't do anything. I'm so grateful. Thank you so much for the support. It's been an amazing journey. I'm so lucky.

"I had so much belief in this club, the players, the coach. This is what it's all about. And we did it. And I'm so, so proud to be here, and I just can't wait to go see my family."

The underdog Knights stormed into a 12-0 lead with Francis Manuleleua opening the scoring before Kalyn Ponga scored a classic Grand Final try by running the length of the field to touch down and send Newcastle fans wild at a sold-out Accor Stadium.

Nawaqanitawase, playing the final game of his two-year stint at the Roosters before his return to rugby union, cut the deficit after superb footwork and then Billy Smith showed strength and composure to pile over and level the scores.

Sam Walker converted a penalty after a defensive infringement to put Sydney ahead and then Nawaqanitawase, nicknamed 'Marky Mark' flew into the corner to put his side 18-12 ahead.

Cherry-Evans, the oldest Grand Finalist in history, used all his experience to nudge over a simple field goal to extend his side's lead beyond a converted try.

And it proved a vital score with Greg Marzhew breaking a couple of tackles to roll over for Newcastle with Sandon Smith converting brilliantly from the touchline. But the 'Chooks', one of the two clubs remaining from the first season of what became the NRL in 1908, held on, to secure ⁠their fourth title under ​long-term coach Trent Robinson.

"Credit to the Knights, they fought for 80 minutes there," ​said Nawaqanitawase, after lifting the Provan-Summons Trophy.

"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."

The Knight headed into the match just a day after CEO Peter Parr expressed his deep concern after a vehicle drove into a crowd of people supporting the NRL team on Saturday, as they prepared for their Grand Final.

Police said 10 people were injured in the incident in Wallsend, New South Wales, including several children, while the 18-year-old man driving the vehicle was arrested.

Two of the injured, a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, are in critical condition, and the other eight are in stable condition at a hospital, according to New South Wales Police.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: NRL Grand Final: Daly Cherry-Evans kicks crucial drop goal as Sydney Roosters hold on by one point to break Newcastle Knights hearts