Mark Nawaqanitawase scored twice to secure the Sydney Roosters’ 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League Grand Final at Stadium Australia on Sunday. His two tries, one in each half, helped the Roosters claim their 16th Premiership title in front of a crowd of 80,814.
Nawaqanitawase, a dual-code international who has 11 caps for Australia in rugby union and three in rugby league, is stepping away from league after this match to focus on rugby union ahead of next year’s World Cup. His performance provided the perfect send-off in what was his final game for the Roosters before moving to Japan to continue his union career.
The Knights, aiming for their first NRL title since 2001, had pushed hard to break their drought, seeking to become the first club since 1934 to win the Premiership after finishing last the previous season. Newcastle took an early lead through tries from Francis Manuleleua and captain Kalyn Ponga, putting them 12-0 ahead and threatening to pull off a significant upset.
The Roosters responded before halftime when Nawaqanitawase cleverly executed a kick and chase to score, cutting the deficit. After the break, Roosters centre Billy Smith powered over for a try in the 47th minute, which Sam Walker converted to level the scores at 12-12.
Walker then put Sydney ahead with a penalty seven minutes later. Nawaqanitawase crossed again in the right corner before the hour mark to extend the lead to 18-12. At 37, Daly Cherry-Evans, playing his last NRL game before moving to Hull FC in the Super League, kicked a drop goal to push the Roosters’ advantage to seven points.
The Knights fought back late, with Greg Marzhew scoring a try in the final four minutes to bring Newcastle within one point. Despite their efforts, Newcastle could not complete the comeback, leaving the Roosters to celebrate their first NRL title since 2019.
Nawaqanitawase reflected on the match, saying, “Credit to the Knights, they fought for 80 minutes there. 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.”
His switch from union to league in 2024, after four years with the Waratahs in Super Rugby, was notable since he became the first player to represent Australia in both codes since Scott Gourley in 1991. He also featured in last year’s Ashes series for the Kangaroos.
The Knights finished three places below the Roosters in the regular season but showed resilience throughout the final. Their semi-final victory over the Penrith Panthers with 12 men had raised hopes for a fairy-tale finish, but the Roosters’ experience and Nawaqanitawase’s finishing proved decisive.
Cherry-Evans’ final contribution with the drop goal added to a memorable closing chapter for the veteran half-back, while the Roosters secured their 16th Premiership title, affirming their place at the top of the league.
According to Yahoo Sports.
