Newcastle could not have been braver. They were right in the grand final until the last minute, but their night would – and should – have been over much earlier had referee Adam Gee sin-binned Kalyn Ponga for a high shot on Victor Radley.
Kalyn Ponga speaks to Johnathan Thurston after Newcastle's grand final loss.
Kalyn Ponga speaks to Johnathan Thurston after Newcastle's grand final loss.
In a match where the Roosters statistically dominated but the Knights managed to lead in the second half, these were the key moments from the 2026 NRL grand final.
The brave Knights fought until the bitter end, but the grand final could have been over much earlier had Kalyn Ponga been marched for a high shot on Victor Radley.
The brave Knights fought until the bitter end, but the grand final could have been over much earlier had Kalyn Ponga been marched for a high shot on Victor Radley.
Kalyn Ponga leads the Knights into their first decider since 2001.
