Roosters win the grand final 19–18 after a 12–0 deficit, with a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal
Sydney beat Newcastle 19–18 in Sunday's NRL grand final at Accor Stadium before 80,814. The Knights led 12–0, then 12–6 at half-time after a Mark Nawaqanitawase try. In the second half Billy Smith scored and Cherry-Evans kicked a field goal, which put the Roosters ahead 19–12 before Newcastle scored and converted to trail by one. It is the Roosters' 16th title and first since 2019. The Roosters also won the NRLW grand final 30–6 against Brisbane. Reports differ on the minute of the field goal and on some try details.
The result ended a seven-year wait for the Roosters and a fairytale run for Newcastle.
Public holiday in three states on Monday had many in celebration mode.
Margins like one point stay in the memory for decades, and the field goal will be replayed all summer.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 1 · Morning · MON., OCT. 5, 2026