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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Angus Fontaine

NRL 2026 grand final: where the Roosters v Knights decider will be won and lost

Composite graphic of Kalyn Ponga running with the ball, and James Tedesco with his hands on his hips, with a red and purple circle in the background
Talismanic fullbacks Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco can be gamechangers in the 2026 NRL grand final between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights. Composite: Getty Images/AAP

After 210 games, 17,000 minutes and more than 10,000 points, it all comes down to the 2026 NRL grand final. One decider. Two desperate teams. The Roosters, a star-studded outfit with four premierships in 25 years and speed, power and tactical brilliance across the park. And the Knights, 25 years without a title and coming off a wooden spoon last year, yet riding an irresistible wave built on blue-collar courage and underdog characters.

The paths to the grand final

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