Australian News | 4 October 2026
The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights meet at Accor Stadium tonight in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm AEDT.
The decider brings together two of the competition’s biggest individual stars, with James Tedesco named at fullback for the Roosters and Kalyn Ponga at fullback for Newcastle. The official NRL team lists also include Mark Nawaqanitawase on the Roosters wing, while Newcastle’s backline features Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Dominic Young and Greg Marzhew.
When and where is the grand final?
The NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday 4 October at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. The NRLW Grand Final between the Roosters and Broncos is scheduled earlier in the day at 4:00pm AEDT, before the men’s premiership decider at 7:30pm.
The NRL says spectators travelling to the venue can use public transport via Lidcombe, while overseas viewers can access Watch NRL where available. Australian broadcast arrangements should be checked with local television and streaming providers before kick-off.
Why this match has captured attention
Newcastle enter the game with a chance to complete a remarkable finals run, while the Roosters arrive with the experience and depth expected of a club accustomed to the biggest stage. For neutral viewers, the Tedesco–Ponga contrast gives the match an obvious focal point: both are capable of changing a game through support play, running threat and decision-making around broken field.
Grand finals often turn on simpler factors, however — field position, completion rates, discipline and how well each side handles the first 20 minutes.
Official sources
See the official NRL team lists and the NRL finals event information.
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