The NRL Grand Final is here, and what a matchup we have in store.
After a season full of twists and turns, the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights will go head-to-head for the 2026 NRL premiership.
For Newcastle, the story is remarkable. Just 12 months after finishing with the wooden spoon, the Knights have fought their way all the way to the Grand Final. Their incredible preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers has sent Novocastrians into a frenzy and given the club a chance to claim its first premiership since 2001.
Standing in their way is a Roosters side that has navigated its way through a tough finals series and now sits just 80 minutes away from adding another premiership to the club's proud history.
So, who gets their hands on the Provan-Summons Trophy?
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights
Grand Final Tip: Newcastle Knights
This is exactly what the NRL Grand Final should be about: two proud clubs, plenty of history and everything on the line.
The Roosters will head into the decider with plenty of confidence, but the Knights have something that is incredibly difficult to manufacture… momentum.
Newcastle's run to the Grand Final has been one of the stories of the 2026 NRL season. After last year's wooden spoon, few would have expected the Knights to be playing for a premiership 12 months later.
But here they are.
Kalyn Ponga has continued to be a major part of Newcastle's attack, while the Knights have shown enormous resilience throughout the finals. Their preliminary final victory over the Panthers, particularly after being reduced to 12 men, demonstrated just how much fight this Newcastle side possesses.
And now they get the ultimate reward: a Grand Final against the Roosters.
For the Roosters, this is an opportunity to spoil the fairytale. They have the experience, the talent and the defensive capabilities to make life extremely difficult for Newcastle. If they can control field position and limit Ponga's influence, they will give themselves every chance of lifting the trophy.
But there's something about this Knights team.
The belief appears to be growing with every week, and after the way they fought through the preliminary final, it is difficult to tip against them.
Our tip: Newcastle Knights to win the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Can Newcastle Recreate 1997?
For Knights supporters, this Grand Final brings back memories of the club's most famous premiership triumph.
In 1997, Newcastle defeated the Manly Sea Eagles 22-16 in one of the most dramatic Grand Finals in rugby league history. Darren Albert scored the match-winning try with just seven seconds remaining, sending Newcastle into scenes of celebration that have become part of Australian rugby league folklore.
And who could forget Matthew Johns' legendary description of the celebrations?
"It's better than Lego."
The line has lived on for almost three decades and has become permanently associated with Newcastle's 1997 premiership.
Now, in 2026, the Knights have another opportunity to create a moment that will live forever in Newcastle sporting history.
If they can get past the Roosters, don't be surprised if we hear those famous words being shouted all over the Hunter once again.
Better than Lego.
The NRL Knock Out Sale Continues
There is even more reason to keep an eye on the result if you're a rugby league fan - because the Jerseys Megastore NRL Knock Out Sale is still running.
Throughout the finals series, we've been reducing the stock of teams as they are eliminated from premiership contention.
With only the Roosters and Knights left standing, this is your last chance to grab merchandise from the teams that have already seen their 2026 premiership dreams come to an end.
Every eliminated team's stock has been reduced by 20% as part of our NRL Knock Out Sale.
So whether you're looking for a jersey, training gear, a tee or something else to represent your team, now is the time to check out the sale before the final whistle of the 2026 season.
And for Roosters and Knights supporters, there's only one thing left to wait for.
80 minutes. One trophy. One premiership.
Our 2026 NRL Grand Final Tip
It's been a season full of surprises, but we're backing the Newcastle Knights to complete one of the most incredible turnarounds in recent NRL history.
From the wooden spoon to the Grand Final in just 12 months.
From underdogs to premiership contenders.
Now they have one final mountain to climb.
Grand Final Tip: Newcastle Knights
Can Newcastle bring the Provan-Summons Trophy back to the Hunter?
We'll find out on Grand Final night.
And if they do, there's only one way to describe the celebrations:
It's better than Lego!
Good luck to both teams, and enjoy the 2026 NRL Grand Final!
Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
