NRL

Despite dominating field position and a near-perfect completion rate, the Sydney Roosters trail the Newcastle Knights 12-6 at half-time in the 2026 NRL Grand Final.

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Playing fast and tackling hard, the Roosters had 57 per cent of possession, but the Knights repelled wave after wave of attack, while making the most of their own opportunities with a brilliant ball from Fletcher Sharpe sending Francis Manulelelua over against the run of play to open the scoring in the 16th minute.

The Roosters made ten first-half errors with a staggering eight coming on the final tackle, almost all knock-ons from bombs.

Two were more costly than others. 

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In the 25th minute Roosters’ No.7 Sam Walker put a bomb perfectly on the spot for Mark Nawaqanitawase, who soared high above Greg Marzhew to score in the corner.

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But moments later the score was overruled as a knock-on by the Bunker following a desperation tackle by inspirational Knights skipper Ponga.

Four minutes later another Roosters’ bomb went awry when Mark Nawaqanitawase tried to bat a Sam Walker bomb back to a teammate, but instead it was pounced on by Ponga who ran the length of the field to score and give the Knights a 12-0 lead.

Then in a remarkable opening half, with just three minutes until the break a bomb finally paid off for the Tricolours when Robert Toia failed to collect a high ball, only for Mark Nawaqanitawase to kick the loose ball into the in-goal for the Roosters opening try.

Sam Walker converted to make it 12-6 at half time and give both teams everything to play for with the 2026 premiership very much on the line.

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