Newcastle Knights fall short in first grand final in 25 years
Newcastle reached its first NRL grand final in 25 years but lost to the Roosters 19-18 on Sunday night.
Newcastle played in its first NRL grand final in 25 years on Sunday, facing the Roosters at Olympic Stadium. The Knights fell short 19-18, losing on a late field goal by Daly Cherry-Evans.
The loss capped a remarkable season that saw them climb from seventh on the ladder to the grand final. The Knights made a club-record 445 tackles but could not overcome the Roosters' dominance in possession and territory.
Michael Hill, a Knights founding father, attended the match and praised his side's courage in defeat. He noted that pathway players from Newcastle itself gave the team new identity and purpose.
For Hill, who helped form the club in 1988 alongside Leigh Maughan and Gerry Edser, the journey back to a grand final meant everything to the region.
- 25
- Years since grand final
- Lost 19-18
- Final score
- Seventh
- Starting ladder position
- 445
- Tackles made
Why it mattersFor Newcastle and its fans, the grand final appearance ends a 25-year drought and signals the club has rebuilt into genuine contention.
AustraliaNewcastle is in NSW and the Knights matter to the region; their grand final run energised the entire city and demonstrated the club's renewed strength.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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