Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction | 2026 NRL | Final
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Newcastle Knights’ incredible comeback win over Penrith Panthers sets up what should be a cracking final between them and Sydney Roosters.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel 9 / USA – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – 9Now / USA – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Sydney Roosters team news
Sydney Roosters wait on the status of Connor Watson and whether he will be passed fit to play following a head injury. He is the only concern for Trent Robinson.
Squad: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Salesi Foketi, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, Nat Butcher, Spencer Leniu, Hugo Savala, Cody Ramsey, Benaiah Ioelu, Tommy Talau, Egan Butcher
Newcastle Knights team news
Phoenix Crossland is suspended following his sending off against Penrith Panthers and Harrison Graham is set to replace him in the Newcastle Knights line-up.
Squad: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Harrison Graham, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Lachlan Crouch, Pasami Saulo, Dylan Lucas, Fletcher Hunt, Thomas Cant, Kyle McCarthy, Diesel Hagan, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
Who will win the 2026 NRL Grand Final?
Open poll and resultsSydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights prediction
Newcastle Knights stunned all of NRL with their win against Penrith Panthers in the preliminary finals, especially after having gone down a man in the 35th as Phoenix Crossland was sent off following a ‘hip drop’ tackle on Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary. Trailing 14-6 at half-time, Justin Holbrook’s men rallied and played the perfect second half to somehow come out on top. It caps off an incredible journey for a club which finished rock bottom of the NRL table last year.
However, they will once again be underdogs going into this grand final, the fourth to feature Sydney Roosters. Trent Robinson’s side defeated the Dolphins 36-20 to book their place in the big game, backing up their 46-10 thrashing of Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the semi-finals. Sydney Roosters appear to be peaking at just the right time and their attacking potency makes them formidable opposition for the Knights.
If Sydney Roosters are Goliath, then Newcastle Knights certainly feel like David and the latter will likely have the support of many neutrals after how they took down Penrith. Whatever the outcome for them, it’s been a memorable season. However, the Knights really emptied the tank last weekend and it’s hard to see them being able to replicate the miracle against a fired-up Roosters. Therefore, back Robinson’s men to overwhelm them and ultimately emerge as winners.
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights tip: Sydney Roosters to win
