NRL

Newcastle Knights’ opening try in the NRL Grand Final shouldn’t have happened — and Sydney Roosters fans are fuming.

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Francis Manuleleua crossed over in the 15th minute to give the Knights an early lead at Accor Stadium but a controversial penalty given in the lead-up marred the achievement.

After Lindsay Collins executed a huge, legal hit on Mat Croker, referee Adam Gee deemed the tackle high, despite no contact to the head or neck region whatsoever on impact.

Collins’ hand rested on Croker’s neck on the way down, likely influencing Gee to make the incorrect play.

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From the subsequent set of six, Manulelua crossed over for the Knights and Roosters fans were not happy.

Well there you go, marvellous what a bullshit penalty can do #NRLGF

— Jeff Meyers (@rocket_speaks) October 4, 2026

@NRL is a joke the first try of the Grand Final to the @Knights because the @sydneyroosters forwardsmade a good tackle and forced a mistake? which resulted in a incorrect penalty? Make it make sense #NRLGF #NRLKnightsRoosters #NRL

— Gman (@GmanWests) October 4, 2026

Penalty for tackling tooo hard leads to a try #nrlgf

— Triple double king (@Tripledoublekng) October 4, 2026

All off the back of a penalty for a strong (legal) tackle #NRLGF

— Mandy Mands (@Mandarine2010) October 4, 2026

Never a penalty in a million years. #NRLGF

— Chief (@SrSittingBull) October 4, 2026

@NRL Was wondering how long it would take for another incompetent referee blunder. 15 minutes. Longer than I thought. How the hell was that a penalty?! Why can’t any of the current referees do their job properly?! Disgraceful 🤡🤡🤡 #NRLGF #NRL

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— King Angelo (@the_king_angelo) October 4, 2026