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James Tedesco ran for more than 380m and won the Clive Churchill Medal as the Roosters beat the Knights in Sunday's NRL grand final. Mark Nawaqanitawase signed off from rugby league with two tries and a premiership ring.
James Tedesco produced a great captain's knock to lead the Roosters to victory over the Knights in Sunday's NRL grand final. He ran for more than 380m and was outstanding under the high ball.
Tedesco Inspires Roosters Grand Final Victory
He also set up the Roosters' third try and deservedly won the Clive Churchill Medal. Mark Nawaqanitawase signed off from rugby league in style with two tries and a premiership ring. The high-flying winger was a genuine excitement machine throughout the decider. Naufahu Whyte was a beast for the Roosters.
The Kiwi prop ran for 190m and was easily the best forward on the ground. He looks set for a great future in the game. Angus Crichton had only a short stint as a middle forward but did not do much wrong in his last game in league. His contribution off the bench helped the Roosters maintain their momentum.
Newcastle skipper Kalyn Ponga scored a spectacular length-of-the-field try. He also saved one with a desperate in-goal challenge and did everything he could to inspire his team. Dominic Young is better known as a scoring machine, and he saved a four-pointer early on.
However, his dropped ball in the second half led to a Billy Smith try for the Roosters. Bradman Best had few opportunities to show his class in attack. He at least kept opposite number Robert Toia quiet and threw the final pass for a Greg Marzhew try. Greg Marzhew had his hands full marking the high-flying Nawaqanitawase, who scored two tries.
Knights Stars Face Roosters Pressure
He copped a barrage of high balls but kept Newcastle on the front foot with a host of tough carries. He scored a late try for the Knights. Fletcher Sharpe showed few signs of his dynamic running game. He did produce some long-range kicking to get his team out of strife before coming up with a costly knock-on.
Sandon Smith was steady without having the same impact he produced against Penrith in the preliminary final. He conceded a high-tackle penalty that allowed the Roosters to grab the lead. Tyson Frizell, the old warhorse, copped a heavy knock in the early exchanges. He soldiered on for 22 minutes and returned for a similar second-half stint.
Thomas Cant was a stopgap hooker and let nobody down as Phoenix Crossland's replacement. He racked up 26 tackles in a 28-minute first-up stint. Cody Hopwood, the rookie prop, averaged almost a tackle a minute in his opening 25-minute stint. He carted the ball up five times for good measure and produced more strong work after the break.
Francis Manuleleua was hard to believe given he has played only half a season in the NRL. His opening try was further evidence of his line-breaking ability, and he has a bright future. Mat Croker copped some heavy treatment early on but kept coming. That was until he was replaced five minutes into the second half.
Bench Players Shape the Grand Final
He never stopped while he was out there. Pasami Saulo threw himself into his work when he came on. He was never likely to have the impact of a Jacob Saifiti (suspended) or a Trey Mooney (injured). Dylan Lucas, the Origin back-rower, came on early in the second half.
He played in the middle rather than his preferred left edge. Despite the heartbreaking result, the Knights remain the people's choice according to Robert Dillon. The Roosters claimed the premiership on the back of Tedesco's heroics and Nawaqanitawase's double.
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brisbanetimes:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
NRL Grand Final Roosters Knights Player Ratings Rugby League Roosters Vs Knights James Tedesco Clive Churchill Medal Mark Nawaqanitawase
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