Newcastle Knights lose grand final by one point
The Newcastle Knights fell one point short of the premiership in Sunday's NRL grand final despite playing with key players missing.
On paper, the Knights should have lost by about 30 points. The Knights' grit and desire kept them in the game right to the final whistle, making it one of the great grand finals of recent years.
Skipper Kalyn Ponga said after the loss: it hurts, but we did them proud. The Knights' run from the wooden spoon to the grand final has been extraordinary.
Beyond the scoreboard, the team gave Newcastle kids new heroes to look up to; at last week's open training session attended by more than 12,000 fans. Among standout performers, Bradman Best has been selected for the Kangaroos' 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad.
- One point
- Final margin
- More than 12,000 fans
- Attendance at open training
- Roosters
- Opponent
- 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad
- Bradman Best selection
Why it mattersA one-point grand final loss cuts deep, but the Knights' remarkable season from last place to the premiership decider has energised an entire region.
AustraliaNewcastle has experienced rare national sporting glory; the Knights' run has boosted local business, brought community together, and given the Hunter region unprecedented media attention across Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 57 min ago
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