Roosters Crowned 2026 NRL Premiers: Grand Final Review | RLIEP179

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Brandon Savage to review the 2026 NRL Grand Final, as the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights 19–18. The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable finals run, the Roosters’ clinical performance, Daly Cherry-Evans’ key moments, James Tedesco’s legacy and the impact of Spencer Leniu.

Plus, the Knights’ future, Roosters recruitment and academy success, Kangaroos selection discussion, and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome and Roosters crowned 2026 premiers 1:40 — Newcastle’s brave grand final performance 4:00 — Key moments: Dom Young, Ponga and Newcastle’s tries 6:20 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and game management 8:00 — Roosters’ possession, kick chase and clinical edge 10:00 — Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Roosters’ big names 12:00 — Spencer Leniu’s impact off the bench 13:40 — Roosters’ forward pack and physicality 15:05 — Newcastle’s future and Justin Holbrook’s impact 18:10 — Thomas Cant at dummy-half and Newcastle’s desperation 22:30 — Roosters recruitment, academy and next generation 25:30 — James Tedesco’s place among the great Roosters fullbacks 28:00 — Kangaroos squad discussion and selection calls 29:30 — Pacific Championship concerns and player availability 32:00 — Tedesco, Edwards and the fullback debate 35:55 — Rugby League Insider’s World Cup coverage 36:55 — Final wrap-up

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