The Sydney Roosters have claimed one of the most dramatic NRL grand final victories in recent memory, edging the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a gripping finish at Accor Stadium.
The Roosters looked to have the premiership firmly in their grasp, but a stunning Newcastle surge during the final 20 minutes transformed the contest into a one-point thriller.
Despite being weakened by injuries, missing several key forwards and star recruit Dylan Brown, the Knights refused to give in. They twice moved within touching distance of completing a remarkable comeback.
Daly Cherry-Evans, who had spent his entire career at Manly before joining the Roosters for one season, ultimately proved the difference through his big-game experience.
With the Roosters holding a 14-12 lead, Cherry-Evans calmly struck a field goal with 10 minutes remaining, pushing the margin to seven and placing Newcastle under immense pressure.
That was precisely why the club recruited the 37-year-old, and his composure helped secure the result on Sunday night at Accor Stadium.
Daly Cherry-Evans proved decisive on Sunday, winning a premiership in his final NRL season
The triumph comes after DCE won the NRL premiership with the Manly Sea Eagles during his debut season in 2011
“And now he departs for the English Super League, having won one with the Roosters in the one season he came,” Channel Nine’s James Bracey said.
“He arrived determined to conquer, and that is exactly what he did. He has had an incredible career.”
Phil Gould agreed, saying Cherry-Evans delivered the experience the Roosters needed to finish the season as premiers.
“He came here for this specific purpose. They signed him for that purpose, and he delivered on the big day. In the end, his field goal was the difference between the two teams,” Gould said.
The Knights launched one final assault, producing a frantic passage of hot-potato football before winger Greg Marzhew finally crossed in the corner.
Sandon Smith converted from the sideline to reduce the deficit to 19-18 with only three minutes left, leaving the Roosters facing a tense finish.
The Roosters held on for a thrilling one-point grand final victory over Newcastle at Accor Stadium
Newcastle Knights fans were devastated after their extraordinary grand final effort ended in a heartbreaking 19-18 defeat
Kalyn Ponga delivered a huge performance for the Knights but could not drag his side over the line
Newcastle had spent much of the second half defending its own line but somehow repelled wave after wave of pressure. Lindsay Collins was denied a try after the Knights managed to get a hand beneath the ball.
The Roosters then appeared to score through Toia, only for that effort to be ruled no try as well. Newcastle, however, could not create the final opening required to seize victory.
In the closing stages, Roosters captain James Tedesco produced two outstanding plays under pressure, helping his team retain possession and preventing the Knights from generating another genuine opportunity.
It was courage under fire that ultimately saw the Chooks skipper named Clive Churchill Medal winner.
‘So proud of this team. Oh, what a game. I’m speechless. Speechless. Honestly, I felt like we had them on the ropes, but they just kept coming back. There were so many great attacking players and all, that game could have gone either way,’ he said.
It was a heartbreaking way for the Knights to bow out, after showing incredible tenacity to oust South Sydney, the New Zealand Warriors and the Penrith Panthers to reach the decider.
And they came into the match without their starting front row, hooker and halfback as injuries and suspensions decimated the team.
Newcastle great Andrew Johns was still full of pride, saying that they should have been beaten by 50 but showed pure courage to somehow stay in the fight until the final siren.
James Tedesco is presented the Clive Churchill Medal by NRL great Peter Sterling
Newcastle players react after their premiership dream ended in such dramatic fashiom
Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase celebrates with teammate Siua Wong
‘I still can’t believe it. You look at the stats once again and against a team that was pretty much full strength,’ he said.
‘Stacked full of origin players in the international, the Knights missing all their front row and their big marquee signing Dylan Brown, their halfback, somehow found a way to get in the grand final and then hung on, and that was disappointing.
‘But this is one of the most courageous efforts I’ve seen.’
Ponga was left heartbroken after the final siren but vowed Newcastle would return.
‘It hurts. It hurts so much,’ Ponga said.
‘I know we did them proud, but the ultimate goal is to win a comp. Can’t thank them enough for their support. We’ll be back.’
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he was full of pride in his charges for standing up to the incredible Newcastle fightback.
‘It’s a privilege to get back on this stage and you know to what Newcastle have sort of been through the last month,’ he said.
‘And to play a game like that and finish it off, it’s just yeah, really, really proud to be Roosters coach.’
