Newcastle Knights reach NRL grand final after 25-year drought, facing Roosters on Oct 4

Consensus Summary

The Newcastle Knights have secured their first NRL grand final appearance in 25 years after defeating the Penrith Panthers in a dramatic preliminary final on 27 Sept. The victory, which came after the Knights played much of the match with only 12 players due to a sending-off, sent the team to the grand final where they will face the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, 4 Oct, at 7:30 pm. The emotional win has reignited passion among fans, who have supported the Knights through years of struggle, including five wooden spoons in the last 21 seasons. Former star Matty Johns, who broke down in tears during the celebrations, praised the fans for their unwavering loyalty, calling their support 'a big reason why we won today.'

The Knights' journey back to the grand final is a remarkable turnaround, especially given their recent history of finishing last in the league. Their women’s team, however, has been more successful, winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023. The men’s team, meanwhile, has not reached a grand final since 2001, when Andrew Johns led them to victory. The 25-year drought has made this achievement even more significant, as the Knights have overcome years of disappointment to return to the final day of the season.

Matty Johns’ emotional reaction to the win has resonated with fans, particularly his acknowledgment of the hardships the team and supporters have endured. On ABC, Johns described the fans as having 'put up with a lot of shit for a lot of years' and emphasized their role in the team’s success. Coach Justin Holbrook also highlighted the fans’ impact, noting that their presence made the Knights feel stronger despite playing with fewer players. The atmosphere at Homebush Stadium was electric, with the crowd overwhelmingly supporting the Knights, a testament to their dedication.

While both ABC and 7NEWS cover the Knights’ grand final qualification, 7NEWS takes a nostalgic approach by revisiting a 1997 interview with Johns, where he famously struggled to articulate his emotions after the team’s first premiership. The interview, which has since gone viral, contrasts with Johns’ composed yet emotional reaction in 2026. 7NEWS also notes that Johns left the Knights after the 2000 season and played briefly for Cronulla in 2002, adding context to his enduring connection with the club. Meanwhile, ABC focuses more on the tactical challenges of the preliminary final, including the sending-off and the Knights’ late comeback.

The next step for the Knights is the grand final against the Roosters, a match that will determine whether they can end their long wait for a premiership. Both outlets agree that the team’s resilience and the fans’ support have been pivotal in this journey. However, the question remains whether the Knights can maintain their form and deliver another upset in the grand final. With the game set for 4 Oct, the focus is now on how the team will perform under pressure, especially after a season that has seen them defy expectations.