Was kept quiet, but came up with some huge plays by continually defusing the Knights’ short dropouts. Won his fourth premiership with the club, which is a special achievement.
3. Billy Smith – 7
Scored an impressive try in the second half, and continually looked threatening with ball in hand.
4. Robert Toia – 6
Showed plenty of effort and his offload for Mark Nawaqanitawase’s first try was crucial in the Roosters securing victory.
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase – 9
A joy to watch and he claimed a brace in his last game of rugby league before returning to the 15-man code.
6. Daly Cherry-Evans – 7
Was brought to the club to win a premiership and that’s exactly what he did. It’s been 15 years between drinks, having won with the Sea Eagles in 2011 against the Warriors. His field goal sealed the match.
7. Sam Walker – 6
A controlled performance and strong kicking game. Nailed three of his four kicks off the tee.
8. Naufahu Whyte – 10 (Kiwis international)
Without question the best on the field, with a dominant performance in the middle of the park that saw him lead all forwards with 191m. Should have created history by becoming the first New Zealander to win the Clive Churchill Medal, but Kiwis fans will be praying he carries that form into the World Cup.
9. Reece Robson – 6
Didn’t get many chances to run the ball, but was strong defensively in the middle with 36 tackles.
10. Lindsay Collins – 6
Didn’t have the stats like his partner in crime in the front row, but helped set the tone with plenty of physicality.
11. Salesi Foketi – 8 (New Zealand-born)
Capped off a stunning season with a strong performance on both sides of the ball, finishing with a team-high 38 tackles. Could have been a bolter for the Kiwis at the World Cup, but is set to suit up for Tonga.
Salesi Foketi. Photo / Photosport
12. Suia Wong – 6 (New Zealand-born)
Bounced back well after missing the tackle which led to the Knights’ opening try.
13. Victor Radley – 6
The Knights did an excellent job to contain the England international. Showed plenty of effort after copping an early head knock.
15. Angus Crichton – 5
Came on for a brief stint off the bench where his experience was vital in the middle. Is off to play rugby union where he will try to crack the Wallabies squad for next year’s World Cup.
16. Nat Butcher – 7
Was the pick of the Roosters’ interchange forwards, with 167m with the ball.
17. Spencer Leniu – 6 (New Zealand-born)
Brought impact and came up with a huge play when his big hit saw Dom Young lose the ball. Has four career premierships after winning three at the Panthers.
Interchange players not used: Hugo Savala, Cody Ramsay, Benaiah Ioelu (New Zealand-born)
Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga – 9 (New Zealand eligible)
The Knights skipper left no stone unturned in a bid to help his side win their first premiership in 25 years. Some would say he was lucky to be on the field after a shoulder charge, but otherwise outstanding. Expected to be picked in the Kiwis squad for the World Cup.
2. Dom Young – 3
Struggled to make an impact, as he was outclassed by his opposite in Daniel Tupou while his error early in the second half led to a crucial Roosters try.
3. Dane Gagai – 4 (New Zealand eligible)
The veteran centre put in plenty of effort, but it was no match for the Roosters’ resilience. Was credited with nine missed tackles, which will be disappointing for himself. Having just switched eligibility to New Zealand, expect him to be picked in the Kiwis’ World Cup squad.
4. Bradman Best – 4
The centre has continually stood up in the biggest moments, but the Roosters knew that and shut him down out of the game.
5. Greg Marzhew – 5 (New Zealand-born)
Had some nice carries but couldn’t provide the impact seen in previous weeks. Did score a late try which was his 24th of the season.
Knights winger Greg Marzhew. Photo / Brad Roberts
6. Fletcher Sharpe – 5
Has been quiet in recent weeks and that continued in the grand final as the Roosters limited his chances to show off his blistering speed. Did make one nice try-saving tackle, but made a costly error when the Knights finally got some good field position in the second half.
7. Sandon Smith – 5
The Knights wouldn’t have reached the final without his heroics against the Panthers last week, but was unable to replicate that performance. Struggled defensively with eight missed tackles.
8. Tyson Frizell – 4
It’s taken 15 years for the 300-game veteran to play his first grand final, and it wasn’t meant to be as he appeared to struggle, possibly after last week’s efforts.
19. Thomas Cant – 6
Was a surprise inclusion at hooker, but held his own with 35 tackles in 38 minutes of action.
10. Cody Hopwood – 5
Struggled to get any go forward with the ball, making only 58m, but 46 tackles is quite impressive.
11. Jermaine McEwen – 5
Was involved in a tense moment with Whyte in the first half where the pair were eyeballing each other. Did make 42 tackles, but was credited with eight misses.
12. Francis Manuleleua – 7 (New Zealand-born)
Was the equal best Knights forward on the park, scoring the first try of the game, from a nice line run. Had many nice moments with the ball. Would have likely made the Kiwis squad for the World Cup, but is set to represent Samoa instead.
Francis Manuleleua celebrates his try in the NRL grand final. Photo / Brad Roberts
13. Mat Croker – 7
Along with Manuleleua was impressive, but he made his mark defensively. Made some nice stops among his team-high 47 tackles.
14. Harrison Graham – 6
Brought a spark at the ruck for the Knights and held his own defensively.
15. Lachlan Crouch – 5
Came on and was forced to defend for the majority of it, finishing with 30 tackles in his 33 minutes.
16. Pasami Saulo – 4
Struggled to make much impact during his time on the field.
17. Dylan Lucas – 5
Deserves points for even being out on the field less than three months after a compound fracture, but was playing out of position and didn’t get many chances.
Interchange players not used: Fletcher Hunt, Diesel Hagan.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.