Nawaqanitawase’s two tries power Roosters to 16th NRL championship

In a tightly contested NRL final at Stadium Australia, the Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18 to secure their 16th premiership. After falling behind 12-0 through tries by Francis Manuleleua and Kalyn Ponga, Mark Nawaqanitawase reduced the gap before halftime and later added a second try in the right corner. Billy Smith’s centre try tied the scores at 12-12, and Sam Walker’s penalty gave the Roosters a brief lead.

Daly Cherry-Evans extended the margin with a field goal, but Greg Marzhew’s late try narrowed the gap to one point. Coach Trent Robinson celebrated the victory, his first since 2019, as Nawaqanitawase prepared to return to rugby union.