Sports
NRL Grand Final: Sydney Roosters win 19-18 against Newcastle Knights
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.”
>
Mariota was replaced by Kaliakmanis, a rookie seventh-round pick out of Rutgers.
>
Even though no one could have seen the glitch coming, that it happened and contributed to a 100-minute delay drew frustration from drivers.
>
Solberg, whose father Petter won the WRC title in 2003, won the rally by almost a minute ahead of nine-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.
He was also on course to win the final stage and collect a maximum 35 points for the weekend to take the title by two points.
However, his crash meant he finished five points behind Evans in the overall standings.
A third Toyota driver, Sami Pajari, a further one point behind in third – having seen his own title challenge evaporate on the final weekend.
An inconsolable Solberg remained in his car for some time at the end of the stage before being encouraged to take to the podium by Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and team-mate Ogier.
Evans had previously missed out on the title on the final day three times and in two of those seasons he had taken a lead into the concluding rally before losing out to Ogier in 2020 and 2025.
“I don’t really know what my reaction is,” he said. “It’s surreal with how it happened. It’s a relief.
“It wouldn’t by my proudest way of winning it, but it’s job done.”
For Toyota sporting director Kaj Lindstrom there were mixed feelings.
“That was the hardest thing,” said the Finn. “The ending was quite something, I didn’t expect it.
“It was a good fight and we all saw that Oliver was all or nothing. It held all the way to the end.
“Oliver still has time, but Elfyn finally got his title so we’re really happy for him.”
>
Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ Tries New Marketing Tactic: The French Love It
Commanders QB Marcus Mariota injured vs. Colts, replaced by Athan Kaliakmanis
How computer software bugs led to F1’s Malaysia farce: ‘Totally unacceptable’
-
movies4 months agoSearch For Canadian TV Actor Stewart McLean Now Homicide Investigation
-
Fashion9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Fashion9 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Fashion9 years ago
Model Jocelyn Chew’s Instagram is the best vacation you’ve ever had
-
Fashion9 years ago
Emily Ratajkowski channels back-to-school style
-
Fashion9 years ago
9 Celebrities who have spoken out about being photoshopped
-
Anime4 months agoRurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc Manga Takes 1-Issue Break – News
-
Anime3 months agoHIDIVE to Stream English Dubs for The World Is Dancing, The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie Anime – News