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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape in Newcastle

Newcastle’s NRL grand final run is a ‘pinch me’ moment for veterans and youth alike

Fletcher Sharpe and Tyson Frizell embrace during the NRL semi-final between the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights
Knights Fletcher Sharpe and Tyson Frizell sit at either end of Newcastle’s age spectrum but both look to the 2026 NRL grand final with a sense of astonishment. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Tyson Frizell has played 305 NRL games but has found he can no longer bear to watch the end of grand finals. “It usually gets switched off or I stop watching it as soon as that siren goes because – while you’re happy for everyone – it burns, those celebration of the boys,” he says.

His 15-year career has earned him Blues and Kangaroos jerseys, but Frizell had never reached a season decider. Until this week, of course, thanks to an improbable Knights run that has brought the proud New South Wales city to life.

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