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 and claim a 16th premiership.
Inspirational captain James Tedesco and a show-stopping performance from Mark Nawaqanitawase handed the Roosters their first title since 2019. Cherry-Evans, 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."
The underdog Knights stormed into a 12-0 lead with Francis Manuleleua and Kalyn Ponga scoring. Nawaqanitawase cut the deficit, Billy Smith levelled, and Sam Walker converted a penalty. Nawaqanitawase flew into the corner to put Sydney 18-12 ahead.
Cherry-Evans nudged over a field goal, and Greg Marzhew's late try with Sandon Smith's conversion wasn't enough. The Roosters held on for their fourth title under Trent Robinson. The match came a day after a vehicle drove into a crowd in Wallsend, injuring 10 people.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing