Kalyn Ponga reflects on Newcastle's grand final defeat

The Sydney Roosters have secured victory in the 2026 NRL Grand Final following a high-stakes contest against the Newcastle Knights. The match concluded with a narrow margin, defined by a late-game surge from the Knights and a decisive field goal from Daly Cherry-Evans.

The final moments of the game were marked by intense pressure as the Knights launched a spirited offensive in the dying minutes. Despite their late efforts to close the gap, the Roosters maintained their defensive composure to preserve the lead and claim the premiership title.

Following the final whistle, Roosters captain James Tedesco was visibly emotional, seen in tears on the field after what was described as a colossal individual performance throughout the match. His contribution was central to the team's success in securing the trophy.

Conversely, the atmosphere in the Newcastle camp was one of profound disappointment. Knights star Kalyn Ponga expressed the weight of the defeat, stating that the loss hurt significantly given the proximity of the result.

The match was punctuated by key tactical moments, most notably the field goal successfully executed by Daly Cherry-Evans. This play proved critical in the context of the final scoreline, ultimately separating the two sides as the clock wound down.