The Albany Gazette - Sydney Roosters edge Knights in tense NRL grand final

The Roosters survived a late rally from the gallant Knights in a tense grand final played in front of 80,814 fans at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

Mark Nawaqanitawase starred with two tries in his last NRL game before heading to Japan to play rugby union.

The Roosters trailed 12-0 before dominating most of the second-half to claim their first title since 2019.

It was a fitting farewell for retiring Roosters star Daly Cherry-Evans, who, at 37, became the oldest player in grand final history.

"I'm so grateful and it's been an amazing journey," a tearful Cherry-Evans said.

"I had so much belief in this club, the players and the coach. This is what it's all about."

The Knights fell agonisingly short of becoming the first team since 1934 to win a premiership the year after finishing last.

"This hurts so much... we'll be back," Knights captain Kalyn Ponga said.

The Roosters entered as warm favourites, having finished three spots higher than the Knights after the regular season.

The early exchanges were marked by high intensity, with both sides struggling to find space.

Newcastle failed to penetrate until Francis Manuleleua opened the scoring after storming over for the first try.

The Roosters were denied when a high-flying Nawaqanitawase's attempt to ground a kick was overruled.

The Knights extended their lead when Ponga sprinted the length of the field to score a brilliant try.

But Nawaqanitawase responded with a superb try before half-time.

The Roosters carried that momentum into the second half, with Billy Smith crashing over before they hit the front for the first time with a Sam Walker penalty goal.

Nawaqanitawase added a second try after diving over in the right corner.

There was a late twist when Greg Marzhew's try revived the Knights, but it wasn't enough.

The Roosters earlier completed a perfect season by thrashing Brisbane Broncos 30-6 to win the Women's NRL title.

They fell heartbreakingly short against the Broncos in last year's grand final but dominated the rematch, storming to a 26-0 lead at half-time.

The Roosters cruised to their third title after winning all 13 of their matches this season, becoming the first men's or women's side in top-grade Australian rugby league to go the entire season undefeated since the St George Dragons in 1959.

(A.Thompson--TAG)