NRL grand final player ratings: Who shone brightest on league’s biggest day

The Sydney Morning Herald - Oct 4, 2026

We rate the performances of every player who took the field in Sunday’s NRL grand final between the Roosters and Knights.

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DCE nails field goal

DCE nails field goal

Oct 4, 2026

Retiring champion Daly Cherry-Evans boots a field goal to give the Roosters some extra breathing space.

Nawaqanitawase grabs his second try

Nawaqanitawase grabs his second try

Oct 4, 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase claims his second try of the evening against the Newcastle Knights.

Smith muscles over to level the scores

Smith muscles over to level the scores

Oct 4, 2026

Roosters centre Billy Smith muscles over the tryline to level the scores with the Newcastle Knights.

Knight stunned as Leniu causes havoc

Knight stunned as Leniu causes havoc

Oct 4, 2026

Spencer Leniu comes firing in to tackle Newcastle's Dom Young and forces an error just metres out from the tryline.

Freakish football skills help Roosters over

Freakish football skills help Roosters over

Oct 4, 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase shows off his epic football skills to pave the way to score a try for the Sydney Roosters.

Ponga runs the field to pounce for Knights

Ponga runs the field to pounce for Knights

Oct 4, 2026

Kalyn Ponga picks up a loose ball and runs the length of the field to extend the Newcastle Knights' lead.

Ponga forces crucial try-scoring error from rival

Ponga forces crucial try-scoring error from rival

Oct 4, 2026

Mark Nawaqanitawase drops the ball cold in the corner after being tackled by Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga.

Ponga avoids sin bin over ugly high shot

Ponga avoids sin bin over ugly high shot

Oct 4, 2026

Kalyn Ponga is lucky to avoid the sin bin after hitting Roosters gun Victor Radley high.

Knights toiler smashed by crunching hit

Knights toiler smashed by crunching hit

Oct 4, 2026

Mat Croker is left battered by a thumping hit from Lindsay Collins.

Stadium erupts as Knights score first points

Stadium erupts as Knights score first points

Oct 4, 2026

Francis Manuleleua sets Accor Stadium alight as he darts over to score the first points for the Newcastle Knights.

DCE kick hits Spidercam

DCE kick hits Spidercam

Oct 4, 2026

A Daly Cherry-Evans kick early in the grand final thumps into Spidercam.

‘We’re going to defend the kingdom’: NRL fans prepare for grand final after tragedy

‘We’re going to defend the kingdom’: NRL fans prepare for grand final after tragedy

Oct 4, 2026

Newcastle Knights fans descended on Sydney on Sunday, arriving at Accor Stadium in numbers far greater than Roosters supporters.

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