What would a spot in next week’s decider mean for the city of Newcastle? Well, Knights premiership winner Matty Johns has a pretty good idea.

After every grand final, Scott Sorensen sent the same person the same text message.

The Newcastle Knights have been the emotional heartbeat of the Hunter region since they entered the competition in 1988 and the footy side sets the weekly tone for the area– above and below ground.

Thirteen years since their last NRL preliminary final, the Newcastle Knights are on a quest to do the unthinkable — go from wooden spoon to premiers in a single season. Writing in 1987, their inaugural coach spelt out the player who would get them there. 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has credited the character of Spencer Leniu and his classy response after the prop didn’t see the field during the preliminary final win over the Dolphins.

A disappointed Kristian Woolf has conceded the Sydney Roosters “deserved the win” after the Dolphins dream of reaching a maiden grand final ended in a heartbreaking preliminary final loss.

The powerhouse winger produced another passage of absolute magic to set up a vital try in the second half as the Sydney Roosters booked a spot in next Sunday’s grand final courtesy of a 36-20 win over the Dolphins. Christian Nicolussi

Demoted to the bunker for the preliminary final, referee Ashley Klein was at the centre of more controversial calls. Christian Nicolussi

The Dolphins’ terrific season ended with a whimper inside Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Sydney Roosters have reached their first grand final since 2019 after dispatching the Dolphins in the preliminary final.