2026 NRL Grand Final Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Early Predictions
The 2026 NRL Grand Final is set for an exciting face-off between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights. The Roosters, revitalized by Sam Walker’s swift return from injury, are favorites, but the Knights' resilient journey through sudden-death matches—culminating in a gutsy win over Penrith with 12 men—suggests a much closer contest than early odds indicate. Recommended early bets include Knights +6.5 for value, Mark Nawaqanitawase to score 2+ tries given recent form, and a watch on Sam Walker and Kalyn Ponga for the Clive Churchill Medal.
- Roosters favored but Knights' resilience signals a close Grand Final.
- Early value: Knights +6.5 and Nawaqanitawase 2+ tries.
- Clive Churchill Medal watch: Sam Walker (Roosters) & Kalyn Ponga (Knights).
2026 NRL Grand Final Early Predictions. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
2026 NRL Grand Final Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Early Predictions
The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights will meet in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, and our first impression is that this could be much closer than the early market suggests.
- 2026 NRL Grand Final Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Early Predictions
- Early NRL Grand Final Betting Tips
- Newcastle Knights +6.5
- Mark Nawaqanitawase 2+ Tries
- Clive Churchill Medal Tips
The Roosters suddenly look like a different attacking side with Sam Walker back in the team. Walker made a remarkable return just 27 days after syndesmosis surgery and immediately added another dimension to the Roosters attack in their 36-20 preliminary-final win over the Dolphins.
Newcastle's journey has been completely different. The Knights have survived three straight sudden-death finals and somehow saved their best for Penrith, beating the minor premiers 22-14 despite playing the entire second half with 12 men following Phoenix Crossland's send-off.
That performance showed exactly what this Newcastle side is about. There is a huge amount of heart and belief in the Knights, and they're going to be incredibly difficult to put away on Grand Final day.
Early NRL Grand Final Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights +6.5
We haven't crunched all the numbers yet, but +6.5 immediately stands out. The Roosters deserve to be favourites, particularly with Walker back, but Newcastle have already gone through South Sydney, the Warriors and Penrith to get here. Giving this Knights side almost a converted try is an appealing early position.
Newcastle Knights +6.5Handicap/Line$1.91 BET HERE
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Mark Nawaqanitawase 2+ Tries
Nawaqanitawase enters the Grand Final in outstanding form and has scored 2+ tries in each of his last two games. He produced another double against the Dolphins and looks dangerous virtually every time the Roosters create space on his edge. If Sydney's improved attack continues to click, 2+ tries offers some early value.
Mark Nawaqanitawase2+ Tries$2.90 Bet Here
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Clive Churchill Medal Tips
The Clive Churchill Medal market looks like it could revolve around the two superstar playmakers.
Sam Walker has transformed the Roosters attack since returning and will have a huge influence on how Sydney approach the Grand Final.
For Newcastle, Kalyn Ponga is the obvious candidate. He's been central to their remarkable finals run and gives the Knights the individual brilliance to turn a tight Grand Final with one moment.
Sam WalkerClive Churchill Medal$4.50 Bet Here
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Kalyn PongaClive Churchill Medal$7.50 BET HERE
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