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8 clusters · 30 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Knights reach NRL Grand Final to face Roosters

Overview

The Newcastle Knights have advanced to the 2026 NRL Grand Final following a 22-14 preliminary final victory over the defending champion Penrith Panthers. Despite trailing 14-6 at halftime and playing with only 12 men after Phoenix Crossland was sent off in the 35th minute, the Knights scored three unanswered second-half tries to secure the win. This victory marks the Knights' first Grand Final appearance in 25 years and positions them to potentially become the first team since 1934 to win a premiership the year after finishing last.

The club's resurgence is attributed to organizational changes under coach Justin Holbrook and executives Peter Parr and Chris James. Holbrook has implemented a culture focused on enjoyment and attacking play, centered on the mantra: “You can’t wait to win to be happy, you need to be happy to win.” Fullback Kalyn Ponga has been central to this revival, noting his personal evolution into a leader for the club and city.

As the Knights prepare to face the Sydney Roosters, fan dedication has been highlighted by supporters traveling extensively to Accor Stadium. Supporters gathered in massive numbers at a live site to cheer on the team, engaging in themed costumes and celebrations to mark the end of a quarter-century drought. This includes former professional triathlete Aaron Royle, who rerouted his travel from the United Kingdom and Spain to attend, and his father, Ken, who spent hours attempting to secure tickets from Maryland.

Regarding team lists, the Roosters have named an unchanged squad following their win over the Dolphins, though utility forward Connor Watson awaits medical clearance for a concussion. If Watson is unavailable, Benaiah Ioelu is expected to play. For Newcastle, Harrison Graham is expected to start at hooker following Crossland’s four-match suspension.

Entities

Newcastle Knights · Penrith Panthers · Justin Holbrook · Sydney Roosters · Kalyn Ponga

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Newcastle Knights reach NRL Grand Final after historic turnaround

    The Newcastle Knights have reached the 2026 NRL Grand Final after a historic rise from last place, led by coach Justin Holbrook and star player Kalyn Ponga.

  2. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    NRL Grand Final: Roosters and Knights team lists announced

    The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights have released their NRL Grand Final team lists, featuring roster changes due to suspensions and pending concussion clearance for Roosters' Connor Watson.

  3. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Sandon Smith leads Newcastle Knights to NRL Grand Final

    Newcastle Knights halfback Sandon Smith has led his team to the 2026 NRL Grand Final following a standout performance, setting up a championship match against his former club, the Sydney Roosters.

  4. [SPORTS] 16 sources
    Newcastle Knights reach NRL Grand Final after stunning Penrith Panthers

    The Newcastle Knights have reached their first NRL Grand Final in 25 years after a resilient 22-14 win over the Penrith Panthers, despite playing with 12 men following a red card.

  5. [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Newcastle Knights face Penrith Panthers in NRL preliminary final

    The Newcastle Knights face the Penrith Panthers in an NRL preliminary final after a dramatic rise from the bottom of the ladder to the top four in just one year.

  6. [SPORTS] 10 sources
    Newcastle Knights face Penrith Panthers in NRL preliminary final

    The Newcastle Knights face the Penrith Panthers in the NRL preliminary final following a dramatic rise from the bottom of the ladder to a major finals contender.

  7. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    New Zealand sports: Black Ferns defeat France and Warriors lose NRL final

    The Black Ferns defeated France through defensive resilience, while the Warriors fell to the Dolphins in the NRL qualifying finals. Northland also retained the Ranfurly Shield.

  8. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    One NZ Warriors fans prepare for NRL Finals match

    New Zealand fans are mobilizing for the One NZ Warriors' NRL Finals match against the Dolphins, featuring special Air New Zealand flights and a nationwide jersey-wearing campaign.

Sources

7news.com.au · americanindependent.com · brisbanetimes.com.au · cessnockadvertiser.com.au · clubrugby.nz · dungogchronicle.com.au · eveningreport.nz · gloucesteradvocate.com.au · kiwikidsnews.co.nz · lakesmail.com.au · netimes.com.au · newcastleweekly.com.au · pcauthority.com.au · portstephensexaminer.com.au · seriousaboutrl.com · singletonargus.com.au · smh.com.au · sportal.co.nz · sportal.com.au · theage.com.au · thecoast.net.nz · thepngbulletin.com · theqldr.com.au · thesportingbase.com · timesng.com · treizemondial.fr · waateanews.com · westernadvocate.com.au · westernweekender.com.au · worldinsport.com

This summary has been updated 19 times: see revision history