# Nawaqanitawase's two tries seal Roosters' grand final win

> Sydney Roosters beat Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the NRL Grand Final, with Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring twice in his final game before switching to rugby union.
- Title: Nawaqanitawase's two tries seal Roosters' grand final win
- Summary: Sydney Roosters beat Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the NRL Grand Final, with Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring twice in his final game before switching to rugby…
- Keywords: sydney roosters, newcastle knights, nrl grand final, mark nawaqanitawase, rugby league, australia, sports, Nawaqanitawase's, two, tries, seal, Roosters'
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cwdd849rr9j4o
- Published: 2026-10-04T13:09:09.802+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sydney roosters, newcastle knights, nrl grand final, mark nawaqanitawase, rugby league, australia, sports
## Roosters end Knights' fairytale run
Sydney Roosters defeated Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the NRL Grand Final at Stadium Australia in front of eighty thousand eight hundred and fourteen spectators.
## Nawaqanitawase scores twice in farewell
Dual-code winger Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries, one in each half, to help the Roosters clinch their first title since two thousand nineteen.
## Knights chased history from bottom spot
Newcastle were seeking their first title since two thousand and one and would have been the first club since nineteen thirty-four to win the Premiership after finishing bottom the previous season.
## Knights led early but Roosters fought back
Francis Manuleleua and captain Kalyn Ponga scored early tries to give Newcastle a twelve-zero lead, but Nawaqanitawase cut the deficit before half-time with a clever kick and chase.
## Marzhew's late try came too late
Greg Marzhew scored for Newcastle with four minutes remaining to make it a one-point game, but the Roosters held on to secure the title.
## Nawaqanitawase leaves league for union
The twenty-six-year-old Nawaqanitawase is stepping away from rugby league and could represent Australia at the rugby union World Cup next year, moving to play union in Japan.

> This is going to last me a lifetime. It's sad to go, but I love everyone here, I love all the boys, and let's celebrate this win, far out.
## Key takeaway

Sydney Roosters won the NRL Grand Final 19-18 against Newcastle Knights, with dual-code winger Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring two tries in his last game before moving to rugby union.