The 2026 NRL Grand Final brings together two clubs with a long and fascinating history. While the Sydney Roosters have dominated the head-to-head record against Newcastle in recent years, the margins have tightened considerably, with four of the last five meetings decided by four points or fewer. From classic finals encounters featuring Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler to modern-day battles starring Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco, we look back at every Roosters-Knights clash since 2020 and revisit their memorable finals history ahead of Sunday’s premiership decider.

Head-to-Head Results

Roosters WinsKnights WinsDraws
41212

The Roosters lead the overall head-to-head record 41-21 with two draws. Sydney has won nine of the last 10 meetings, but four of the past five clashes have been decided by four points or fewer.

Key Grand Final Storylines

  • Roosters seeking first premiership since 2019
  • Knights chasing first premiership since 2001
  • First Roosters-Knights Grand Final
  • Daly Cherry-Evans’ final NRL match
  • Newcastle looking to become the first team in the NRL era to win a premiership one year after claiming the wooden spoon

Grand Final Snapshot

StatRoostersKnights
Premiers152
Last Premiership20192001
Grand Final (since 1954)13 (6 wins, 7 losses)2 (2 wins)
Head-to-Head41 wins21 wins
Meetings Since 20209 wins1 win
Finals Meetings5 wins1 win

Meetings Since 2020

The Roosters have won nine of the last 10 meetings, but the average margin across the last five clashes is just 4.6 points.

DateVenueWinning TeamHTScoreLosing TeamHTScoreMargin
Friday, 24 July 2026McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters623Knights10221
Sunday, 19 April 2026Allianz StadiumRoosters1238Knights242414
Saturday, 14 June 2025McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters012Knights684
Thursday, 11 April 2024McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters1622Knights14202
Saturday, 17 June 2023McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters1818Knights6162
Friday, 22 July 2022McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters1642Knights21230
Saturday, 12 March 2022Sydney Cricket GroundKnights1020Roosters2614
Friday, 23 July 2021Sunshine Coast StadiumRoosters1028Knights8820
Saturday, 1 May 2021McDonald Jones StadiumRoosters2038Knights4434
Saturday, 12 September 2020Sydney Cricket GroundRoosters3042Knights121230

2026

Full Time ScoreKnights 22 – 23 Roosters
ScorersKnights 22 (Tries: Francis Manuleleua 22′, Mat Croker 28′, Dominic Young 47′, Bradman Best 71′. Goals: Sandon Smith 29′, 49′, 73′)

Roosters 23 (Tries: James Tedesco 14′, 43′, 58′, Billy Smith 68′. Goals: Sam Walker 16′, 59′, 69′; Daly Cherry-Evans field goal 77′)
Half-TimeKnights 10 – 6 Roosters
DateFriday, 24th July 2026 (Round 21)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium
PlayersKnights: Dominic Young, Fletcher Hunt, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Sandon Smith, Cody Hopwood, Tyson Frizell, Thomas Cant, Brodie Jones, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

Roosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Hugo Savala, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher
Full Time ScoreRoosters 38-Knights 24
ScorersRoosters 38 (Tries: Siua Wong 2′, Hugo Savala 13′, 50′, Sam Walker 43′, James Tedesco 55′, Mark Nawaqanitawase 60′, 68′. Goals: Sam Walker 3′, 14′, 44′, 51′, 57′)

Knights 24 (Tries: Fletcher Hunt 9′, 20′, 27′, Trey Mooney 17′. Goals: Sandon Smith 10′, 19′, 22′, 29′)
Half-TimeRoosters 12 – 24 Knights
DateSunday, 19 April 2026 (Round 7)
VenueAllianz Stadium, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Salesi Foketi.

Knights: Fletcher Sharpe, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Fletcher Hunt, Greg Marzhew, Sandon Smith, Dylan Brown, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Jermaine McEwen, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Pasami Saulo, Cody Hopwood, Francis Manuleleua, Peter Hola.

2025

Full Time ScoreKnights 8-Roosters 12
ScorersKnights 8 (Try: Kyle McCarthy 3′. Goals: Dane Gagai 5′, 56′)

Roosters 12 (Tries: Salesi Foketi 60′, Siua Wong 70′. Goals: Sandon Smith 61′, 71′)
Half-TimeKnights 6 – 0 Roosters
DateSaturday, 14 June 2025 (Round 15)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: James Schiller, Dane Gagai, Fletcher Hunt, Greg Marzhew, Jackson Hastings, Jack Cogger, Mat Croker, Jayden Brailey, Brodie Jones, Dylan Lucas, Kai Pearce-Paul, Phoenix Crossland, Thomas Cant, Jermaine McEwen, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Kyle McCarthy, Brock Greacen.

Roosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dominic Young, Hugo Savala, Naufahu Whyte, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Sandon Smith, Zach Dockar-Clay, Blake Steep, Makahesi Makatoa, Taylor Losalu.

2024

Full Time ScoreKnights 20-Roosters 22
ScorersKnights 20 (Tries: Jackson Hastings 5′, Bradman Best 37′, Adam Elliott 76′. Goals: Kalyn Ponga 6′, 13′; Dane Gagai 38′, 76′)

Roosters 22 (Tries: Daniel Tupou 16′, 64′, Victor Radley 22′, Brandon Smith 31′. Goals: Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i 24′, 33′, 65′)
Half-TimeKnights 14 – 16 Roosters
DateThursday, 11 April 2024 (Round 6)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Kalyn Ponga, Thomas Jenkins, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Enari Tuala, Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey, Leo Thompson, Dylan Lucas, Kai Pearce-Paul, Adam Elliott, Phoenix Crossland, Daniel Saifiti, Jack Hetherington, Mat Croker, Greg Marzhew.

Roosters: Joseph Manu, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Fetalaiga Pauga, Connor Watson, Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Brandon Smith, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher, Angus Crichton, Victor Radley, Zach Dockar-Clay, Naufahu Whyte, Sitili Tupouniua, Terrell May.

2023

Full Time ScoreKnights 16-Roosters 18
ScorersKnights 16 (Tries: Dominic Young 3′, 54′; Bradman Best 68′. Goals: Jackson Hastings 5′, 69′)

Roosters 18 (Tries: Nat Butcher 8′, Joseph Manu 15′, Daniel Tupou 33′. Goals: Luke Keary 9′, 17′; Sandon Smith 39′)
Half-TimeKnights 6 – 18 Roosters
DateSaturday, 17 June 2023 (Round 16)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Enari Tuala, Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings, Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson, Dylan Lucas, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Adam Elliott, Kurt Mann, Jacob Saifiti, Jack Hetherington, Mat Croker, Brodie Jones.

Roosters: Joseph Manu, Daniel Tupou, Corey Allan, Billy Smith, Fetalaiga Pauga, Luke Keary, Sandon Smith, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Turpin, Nat Butcher, Egan Butcher, Sitili Tupouniua, Naufahu Whyte, Drew Hutchison, Nathan Brown, Terrell May, Angus Crichton.

2022

Full Time ScoreKnights 12 – Roosters 42
ScorersKnights 12 (Tries: Phoenix Crossland 73′, Edrick Lee 76′. Goals: Anthony Milford 74′; Kalyn Ponga 5′)

Roosters 42 (Tries: Luke Keary 16′, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i 25′, 53′, James Tedesco 31′, Daniel Tupou 47′, 60′, Angus Crichton 67′, Egan Butcher 69′. Goals: Sam Walker 17′, 32′, 48′, 68′, 71′)
Half-TimeKnights 2 – 16 Roosters
DateFriday, 22 July 2022 (Round 19)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Kalyn Ponga, Edrick Lee, Dane Gagai, Enari Tuala, Hymel Hunt, Anthony Milford, Adam Clune, David Klemmer, Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Mitchell Barnett, Jacob Saifiti, Pasami Saulo, Brodie Jones, Phoenix Crossland.

Roosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Paul Momirovski, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Luke Keary, Sam Walker, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Verrills, Matthew Lodge, Angus Crichton, Nat Butcher, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Egan Butcher, Drew Hutchison, Terrell May, Adam Keighran.
Full Time ScoreRoosters 6 – Knights 20
ScorersRoosters 6 (Try: Paul Momirovski 76′. Goal: Sam Walker 40′)

Knights 20 (Tries: Dane Gagai 14′, Enari Tuala 32′, Jake Clifford 56′, Dominic Young 72′. Goals: Jake Clifford 15′, 57′)
Half-TimeRoosters 2 – 10 Knights
DateSaturday, 12 March 2022 (Round 1)
VenueSydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Joseph Manu, Paul Momirovski, Sam Walker, Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua, Victor Radley, Drew Hutchison, Fletcher Baker, Nat Butcher, Siosiua Taukeiaho.

Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Enari Tuala, Jake Clifford, Adam Clune, David Klemmer, Chris Randall, Jacob Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Kurt Mann, Phoenix Crossland, Mitchell Barnett, Leo Thompson, Jirah Momoisea.

2021

Full Time ScoreRoosters 28 – Knights 8
ScorersRoosters 28 (Tries: Sitili Tupouniua 30′, 69′; Joseph Manu 35′; Daniel Tupou 56′; Lachlan Lam 64′; Angus Crichton 76′. Goals: James Tedesco 37′, 70′)

Knights 8 (Try: Jacob Saifiti 13′. Goals: Jake Clifford 15′, 17′)
Half-TimeRoosters 10 – 8 Knights
DateFriday, 23 July 2021 (Round 19)
VenueSunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
PlayersRoosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Joseph Manu, Matt Ikuvalu, Drew Hutchison, Sam Walker, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Verrills, Isaac Liu, Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua, Victor Radley, Lachlan Lam, Nat Butcher, Egan Butcher, Fletcher Baker.

Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Kurt Mann, Enari Tuala, Hymel Hunt, Jake Clifford, Phoenix Crossland, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Mitchell Barnett, Connor Watson, Sauaso Sue, Josh King, Brodie Jones, Jack Johns.
Full Time ScoreKnights 4 – Roosters 38
ScorersKnights 4 (Try: Brayden Musgrove 29′)

Roosters 38 (Tries: Daniel Tupou 5′; Josh Morris 10′, 62′, 78′; Angus Crichton 15′; Matt Ikuvalu 19′; Sam Walker 54′. Goals: Sam Walker 7′, 20′, 56′, 63′, 79′)
Half-TimeKnights 4 – 20 Roosters
DateSaturday, 1 May 2021 (Round 8)
VenueMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Kalyn Ponga, Starford To’a, Enari Tuala, Bradman Best, Brayden Musgrove, Kurt Mann, Blake Green, David Klemmer, Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Mitchell Barnett, Connor Watson, Sauaso Sue, Jacob Saifiti, Brodie Jones, Pasami Saulo.

Roosters: Daniel Tupou, Josh Morris, Joseph Manu, Brett Morris, Drew Hutchison, Sam Walker, Isaac Liu, Sam Verrills, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua, Victor Radley, Ben Marschke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Nat Butcher, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Matt Ikuvalu.

2020

Full Time ScoreRoosters 42 – Knights 12
ScorersRoosters 42 (Tries: Josh Morris 2′; Daniel Tupou 13′, 42′; Luke Keary 15′, 69′; Joseph Manu 20′; James Tedesco 36′. Goals: Kyle Flanagan 3′, 14′, 16′, 22′, 37′, 43′, 70′)

Knights 12 (Tries: Enari Tuala 26′; Gehamat Shibasaki 33′. Goals: Mason Lino 27′, 34′)
Half-TimeRoosters 30 – 12 Knights
DateSaturday, 12 September 2020 (Round 18)
VenueSydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Josh Morris, Joseph Manu, Brett Morris, Luke Keary, Kyle Flanagan, Jake Friend, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Boyd Cordner, Sitili Tupouniua, Isaac Liu, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Sonny Bill Williams, Mitchell Aubusson.

Knights: Tex Hoy, Edrick Lee, Enari Tuala, Gehamat Shibasaki, Starford To’a, Mason Lino, Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Kurt Mann, Jacob Saifiti, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Aidan Guerra, Herman Ese’ese, Daniel Saifiti, Josh King, Sione Mata’utia, Chris Randall.

Previous Final Meetings

The Roosters have dominated the finals rivalry, winning five of the six playoff meetings between the clubs. Their last three finals victories over Newcastle have been by an average of 26.6 points.

DateVenueWinning TeamScoreLosing TeamScoreMargin
Saturday, 28 September 2013Allianz StadiumRoosters40Knights1426
Saturday, 13 September 2003Sydney Football StadiumRoosters36Knights828
Sunday, 22 September 2002Sydney Football StadiumRoosters38Knights1226
Saturday, 8 September 2001Energy Australia StadiumKnights40Roosters634
Saturday, 19 August 2000Sydney Football StadiumRoosters26Knights206
Saturday, 5 September 1998Marathon StadiumRoosters26Knights1511

2013

Full Time ScoreRoosters 40 – Knights 14
ScorersRoosters 40 (Tries: Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings 2, Aidan Guerra 2, Mitchell Aubusson, Jake Friend. Conversions: James Maloney 5. Penalty Goal: James Maloney 1)

Knights 14 (Tries: Joseph Leilua 2. Conversion: Tyrone Roberts 1. Penalty Goals: Tyrone Roberts 2.)
Half-TimeRoosters 12 – Knights 4
DateFinals Week 3, Saturday 28 September 2013
VenueAllianz Stadium, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: Anthony Minichiello, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Aidan Guerra, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Daniel Mortimer, Mitchell Aubusson, Isaac Liu, Dylan Napa.

Knights: Darius Boyd, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, David Fa’alogo, Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith, Matt Hilder, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Alex McKinnon, Kevin Naiqama.

2003

Full Time ScoreRoosters 36 – Knights 6
ScorersRoosters 36 (Tries: Ned Catic, Ryan Cross, Todd Byrne, Craig Wing, Chris Flannery 2. Goals: Michael Crocker 3, Craig Fitzgibbon 3)

Knights 6 (Try: Matthew Gidley. Goal: Daniel Abraham 1.)
DateFinal Week 1, 13 September 2003
VenueSydney Football Stadium, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: Anthony Minichiello, Todd Byrne, Ryan Cross, Shannon Hegarty, Chris Walker, Brad Fittler, Brett Finch, Jason Cayless, Craig Wing, Adrian Morley, Michael Crocker, Chris Flannery, Luke Ricketson, Ned Catic, Andrew Lomu, Craig Fitzgibbon, Chad Robinson.

Knights: Robbie O’Davis, Craig Hall, Matthew Gidley, Adam MacDougall, Anthony Quinn, Sean Rudder, Kurt Gidley, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus, Matt Parsons, Steve Simpson, Daniel Abraham, Ben Kennedy, Adam Woolnough, Reegan Tanner, Luke Quigley, Matt Kennedy.

2002

Full Time ScoreRoosters 38 – Knights 12
ScorersRoosters 38 (Tries: Brett Mullins, Chad Robinson, Todd Byrne 2, Anthony Minichiello 2, Craig Fitzgibbon. Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon 2, Michael Crocker 3)

Knights 12 (Tries: Timana Tahu, Ben Kennedy. Goals: Bill Peden 2)
DateElimination Final, 22 September 2002
VenueSydney Football Stadium, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: Chris Flannery, Brett Mullins, Todd Byrne, Justin Hodges, Anthony Minichiello, Brad Fittler, Craig Wing, Jason Cayless, Simon Bonetti, Peter Cusack, Bryan Fletcher, Craig Fitzgibbon, Luke Ricketson, Michael Crocker, Andrew Lomu, Chad Robinson, David Kidwell.

Knights: Kurt Gidley, Julian Bailey, Matthew Gidley, Timana Tahu, Anthony Quinn, Sean Rudder, John Morris, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus, Matt Parsons, Steve Simpson, Ben Kennedy, Bill Peden, Daniel Abraham, Clint Newton, Jarrod O’Doherty, Adam Woolnough.

2001

Full Time ScoreKnights 40 – Roosters 6
ScorersKnights 40 (Tries: Adam MacDougall, Timana Tahu, Ben Kennedy, Andrew Johns, Matthew Gidley 2. Goals: Andrew Johns 7, Glenn Grief 1)

Roosters 6 (Try: Anthony Minichiello. Goal: Craig Fitzgibbon 1)
DateFinal Week 1, 2001
VenueEnergy Australia Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Robbie O’Davis, Timana Tahu, Matthew Gidley, Mark Hughes, Adam MacDougall, Sean Rudder, Andrew Johns, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus, Matt Parsons, Steve Simpson, Ben Kennedy, Bill Peden, Paul Marquet, Clinton O’Brien, Glenn Grief, Darren Albert.

Roosters: Luke Phillips, Chris Flannery, Shannon Hegarty, Matt Sing, Anthony Minichiello, Brad Fittler, Craig Wing, Adrian Morley, Simon Bonetti, Andrew Lomu, Bryan Fletcher, Craig Fitzgibbon, Luke Ricketson, Peter Cusack, Dean Widders, Michael Crocker, Paul Green.

2000

Full Time ScoreRoosters 26 – Knights 20
ScorersRoosters 26 (Tries: Luke Phillips, Ryan Cross, Shannon Hegarty, Brad Fittler. Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon 5)

Knights 20 (Tries: Darren Albert, Mark Hughes, Timana Tahu, Andrew Johns. Goals: Andrew Johns 2)
DatePreliminary Final, 2000
VenueSydney Football Stadium, Sydney
PlayersRoosters: Luke Phillips, Matt Sing, Ryan Cross, Shannon Hegarty, Anthony Minichiello, Brad Fittler, Adrian Lam, Ian Rubin, Simon Bonetti, Peter Cusack, Bryan Fletcher, Craig Fitzgibbon, Luke Ricketson, Dallas Hood, David Solomona, Craig Wing, Shane Rigon.

Knights: Adam MacDougall, Darren Albert, Matthew Gidley, Mark Hughes, Timana Tahu, Matthew Johns, Andrew Johns, Tony Butterfield, Danny Buderus, Matt Parsons, David Fairleigh, Ben Kennedy, Bill Peden, Sean Rudder, Peter Shiels, Steve Simpson, Paul Rauhihi.

1998

Full Time ScoreKnights 15 – Roosters 26
ScorersKnights 15 (Tries: Danny Buderus, Jason Moodie, Mark Hughes. Conversion: Andrew Johns 1. Field Goal: Andrew Johns)

Roosters 26 (Tries: Nathan Wood, Darren Junee, Luke Ricketson, Scott Gourley, Richard Barnett, Matt Sing. Conversion: Ivan Cleary 1)
DateTop 10 Major Semi Final, 1998
VenueMarathon Stadium, Newcastle
PlayersKnights: Mark Hughes, Jason Moodie, Matthew Gidley, Brett Grogan, Sean Rudder, Matthew Johns, Andrew Johns, Tony Butterfield, Danny Buderus, Glenn Grief, Neil Piccinelli, Peter Shiels, Bill Peden, Troy Fletcher, David Lomax, Lee Jackson, Paul Harragon.

Roosters: Darren Junee, Jack Elsegood, Matt Sing, Ivan Cleary, Richard Barnett, Brad Fittler, Adrian Lam, Scott Logan, Simon Bonetti, Scott Gourley, Luke Ricketson, Nigel Gaffey, Shane Rigon, Bryan Fletcher, Nathan Wood, Julian Bailey, Peter Cusack.

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