Knights set for grand final against Roosters
Newcastle has qualified for its first NRL grand final in 25 years after beating Penrith 22-14 with 12 men.
The Knights beat the competition's top-ranked side in a preliminary final on Sunday at Accor Stadium, ending a quarter-century drought. Newcastle played the entire second half with one player sent off, yet scored 16 points to Penrith's nothing after half-time.
Captain Kalyn Ponga was moved to tears on the field, calling it one of the greatest wins in his career. The turnaround is startling: Newcastle finished on the wooden spoon last season.
Now they face the Roosters in the grand final on October 4. Only the Roosters in 2010 have gone from wooden spoon to grand finalists in the NRL era.
- 25
- Years since last grand final
- Newcastle 22, Penrith 14
- Preliminary final score
- 12
- Players on field in second half
- Newcastle 16, Penrith 0
- Second-half scoring run
Why it mattersNewcastle fans have waited 25 years for a grand final. The club's resurrection from wooden spoon to title contenders in one season is unprecedented.
AustraliaThis is the biggest story in Australian rugby league this year. The grand final on October 4 will draw huge viewership and national attention.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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