newy.com.au – The Newcastle Knights have fallen one point short of a third premiership, losing 19–18 to the Sydney Roosters in a gripping NRL grand final before returning home to a city determined to show its appreciation.
Supporters gathered on Thomas Street and at NEX to welcome the players back from Sydney, before thousands of Novocastrians attended Monday’s fan day at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The receptions followed a finals campaign that took Newcastle from seventh place to its first grand final since 2001, eliminating South Sydney, the Warriors and Penrith along the way. Just a year after finishing last, the Knights came within a single point of completing a remarkable turnaround.
“It hurts. It hurts so much,” captain Kalyn Ponga told Nine after the match. “We’ll be back.”
In front of 80,814 spectators at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, Newcastle built a 12–0 lead before the Roosters scored 19 unanswered points. A late Greg Marzhew try brought the Knights within reach again, keeping the premiership undecided until the closing moments.
Newcastle’s defence had kept the side alive through sustained early pressure. Dominic Young cut down Billy Smith near the line, while Ponga prevented Mark Nawaqanitawase from grounding the ball during an attempted aerial finish. Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith also produced important tackles to deny threatening Roosters attacks.
The Knights made their opportunities count. Sharpe put Francis Manuleleua through a gap for the opening try, before Ponga turned a Roosters attacking kick into one of the night’s biggest moments.
Gathering an attempted tap-back from Nawaqanitawase, the Newcastle captain raced almost the length of the field to score. Sandon Smith converted both tries, giving the Knights a 12-point advantage.
Nawaqanitawase answered before half-time, kicking a loose ball ahead and regathering after Robert Toia won an aerial contest. Newcastle went to the break leading 12–6.
The Roosters continued to press after the restart. Spencer Leniu forced an error from Young with a heavy tackle, and Billy Smith subsequently fought through Newcastle’s defence to score. Sam Walker’s conversion levelled the match.
A Walker penalty goal put the Roosters ahead before an awkward rebound helped extend their lead. Daly Cherry-Evans’ grubber struck an upright and bounced to James Tedesco, who passed to Nawaqanitawase for his second try.
Cherry-Evans then kicked the field goal that ultimately decided the premiership, pushing the margin to seven points with about ten minutes remaining.
Newcastle still found a way back. Ponga and Manuleleua helped create the movement that ended with Bradman Best sending Marzhew over in the corner. Sandon Smith converted from wide out, cutting the deficit to 19–18.
Tedesco secured two crucial possessions in the closing stages, taking a high kick under pressure and then gathering a bouncing ball in traffic as the Roosters held on. He received the Clive Churchill Medal after running for 385 metres and breaking 14 tackles.
The Knights finished with just 43 per cent of possession and made 126 more tackles than their opponents. Mat Croker made 47 tackles, Cody Hopwood 46 and Jermaine McEwen 42, reflecting the workload Newcastle absorbed to remain in contention.
Veteran forward Tyson Frizell also suffered a rib injury during his first grand final appearance, after more than 300 NRL games.
“I’ve never seen a gutsier performance,” coach Justin Holbrook said.
Ponga said the season provided encouragement for the future, while warning another premiership challenge would have to be earned.
“Nothing is given, we still have to earn everything we get next year,” he said.
Back in Newcastle, supporters made their feelings clear well before Monday’s organised homecoming.
Fans lined Thomas Street and gathered at NEX to welcome the side back from Sydney. Video shared on the Newy News Facebook page captured the reception, with supporters turning out to acknowledge the players despite the disappointment of the result.
The welcome continued at McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday, 5 October, where thousands attended to thank the team. Players made their way around the ground, signing merchandise, posing for photographs and meeting supporters. Dane Gagai and Frizell also addressed the crowd.
The celebrations took place alongside continuing concern for those injured when a car struck supporters gathered for Saturday’s team send-off.
Ten people were taken to John Hunter Hospital after the crash at the Newcastle Link Road and Transfield Drive roundabout at Wallsend about 9.30am on 3 October.
A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were initially critically injured. Both had been reported in serious but stable conditions by Sunday.
In Monday’s latest update, NSW Health said four patients remained in hospital: one in a serious but stable condition and three in stable conditions. Six of the ten patients had been discharged. The update did not publicly identify the patient who remained in a serious condition.
The 18-year-old driver faces nine charges over the crash. He made no application for bail during Sunday’s court appearance and bail was formally refused. His next appearance is scheduled for Newcastle Local Court on 15 October.
Knights chief executive Peter Parr acknowledged those affected at the beginning of Monday’s fan day.
“We’re sending them as much love as we can,” he said.
