The Newcastle Knights have produced a remarkable performance to beat the Penrith Panthers 22-14 and qualify for their first grand final in 25 years.
The rise of the Knights, from wooden spooners in 2025 to grand finalists, has been nothing short of remarkable, and they will look to secure the club’s third premiership when they meet the Roosters this Sunday.
The send-off of hooker Phoenix Crossland for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary just before half-time was not enough to derail the Knights, who showed great courage to score three second-half tries after trailing 14-6 at the break.
Cleary suffered a compound fracture to his leg in the Crossland tackle, while Blaize Talagi also suffered an Achilles injury in a horror afternoon for the Panthers, who have bowed out in a preliminary final for the second straight year.
The courageous win in front of a raucous crowd of 57,102 takes the Knights into their first grand final since 2001 and sets up a mouth-watering decider against the Roosters.
The Knights will face the Roosters at 8.30pm on Sunday.
