The official team lists are in for the 2026 NRL Grand Final, with the Roosters taking an almost unchanged side into the decider while Newcastle have been forced into a significant change at hooker. Phoenix Crossland’s suspension sees Harrison Graham promoted to start, while the Roosters’ only real concern is Connor Watson as he works through the concussion protocols.
Biggest Winners – Roosters
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Nawaqanitawase remains on the wing with Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco all available to create opportunities around him. He’s the Roosters finisher I’d target first.
Our Tip: Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
Sam Walker
Walker came through the preliminary final after his rapid return from syndesmosis surgery and retains the No.7 jersey. Having another game under his belt before the Grand Final is a major positive.
Our Tip: Sam Walker – 1+ Try Assist
Daly Cherry-Evans
Cherry-Evans starts at five-eighth in what will be the final NRL game of his career. At 37 years and 183 days, he’ll also become the oldest player to appear in an NRL Grand Final.
Our Tip: Daly Cherry-Evans – 1+ Try Assist
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Biggest Losers – Roosters
Connor Watson
Watson failed his HIA against the Dolphins and remains the Roosters’ major selection concern. He’s named on the bench but still needs to be cleared to play.
Betting Impact: Avoid Watson’s tackle and involvement markets until he’s officially cleared.
Angus Crichton’s Minutes
Crichton is again named on the interchange rather than in the starting side, with Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong retaining the edge positions.
Betting Impact: Crichton remains dangerous close to the line, but his bench role makes workload overs less appealing.
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Roosters Left Edge Defence
Newcastle’s combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew gives the Roosters a major attacking threat to contain on the Knights’ left edge.
Our Tip: Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Biggest Winners – Knights
Harrison Graham
Crossland’s suspension hands Graham the starting hooking role in the biggest game of his career. That should significantly increase his defensive workload compared with his usual interchange role.
Our Tip: Harrison Graham – Over Tackles
Greg Marzhew
Marzhew retains his wing position outside Bradman Best and remains one of Newcastle’s primary attacking weapons.
Our Tip: Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Kalyn Ponga
Ponga has Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best and Marzhew around him in Newcastle’s backline. If the Knights are going to trouble the Roosters’ defence, their fullback should be heavily involved.
Our Tip: Kalyn Ponga – 1+ Try Assist
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Biggest Losers – Knights
Phoenix Crossland
This is easily the biggest team-list blow for either side.
Crossland has been suspended for four matches following the hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary in the preliminary final, ruling him out of the Grand Final.
Betting Impact: Harrison Graham takes over at hooker and immediately becomes a player to target in the tackle markets.
Newcastle’s Hooking Rotation
Graham is currently named to start, but Newcastle could still change their dummy-half rotation before kick-off, with Thomas Cant another option and Kyle McCarthy added to the extended interchange.
Betting Impact: Check the final team before committing heavily to Graham’s tackle line.
Knights Middle
Newcastle face a Roosters pack containing Naufahu Whyte, Lindsay Collins, Victor Radley and a bench featuring Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu.
Betting Impact: Newcastle’s middle forwards should face a significant defensive workload.
Early Betting Verdict
The Roosters have the more settled team list heading into the Grand Final. Their starting 13 is unchanged from the side that beat the Dolphins, with Walker, Cherry-Evans and Tedesco all available in the spine.
Newcastle’s biggest disruption is the loss of Crossland, but their dangerous back five remains intact with Ponga, Young, Gagai, Best and Marzhew all named.
Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
With Walker and Cherry-Evans controlling the attack and Tedesco sweeping out the back, Nawaqanitawase remains the Roosters winger I’d target first.
Our Tip: Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Marzhew gives us the strongest Newcastle try-scorer option and continues to play outside the powerful Bradman Best.
Our Tip: Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Dominic Young – Anytime Try Scorer
Young gives Newcastle a genuine aerial and power threat on the opposite wing, making him another option if you’re looking for a Knights scorer.
Our Tip: Dominic Young – Anytime Try Scorer
Billy Smith – Anytime Try Scorer
Smith gives us an alternative to the more obvious Roosters wingers and should receive opportunities playing in a backline controlled by Walker, DCE and Tedesco.
Our Tip: Billy Smith – Anytime Try Scorer
Sam Walker – Try Assists
Walker has successfully returned from his syndesmosis injury and now has another game under his belt. His combination with Tedesco and the Roosters’ outside backs makes the assist market appealing.
Our Tip: Sam Walker – 1+ Try Assist
Harrison Graham – Tackles
This is the clearest team-list-created player prop. Crossland’s suspension pushes Graham into the starting No.9 jersey and potentially a much larger workload.
Our Tip: Harrison Graham – Over Tackles
Best Bet From The Team Lists
Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
Nawaqanitawase is the Roosters attacking player I’d target first.
The Roosters enter the Grand Final with their preferred Tedesco-Walker-Cherry-Evans combination intact, while Nawaqanitawase provides one of their biggest finishing threats on the edge.
Our Tip: Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
I’d also check Nawaqanitawase 2+ Tries with Sportsbet and TAB for a higher-priced option.
Value Bet
Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Marzhew gives us the Newcastle alternative rather than loading every selection towards the Roosters.
His combination with Bradman Best has been one of Newcastle’s major attacking weapons, while Ponga gives the Knights another way to create space for that edge.
Our Tip: Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
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Team List Betting Summary
Best Bet: Mark Nawaqanitawase – Anytime Try Scorer
Value Bet: Greg Marzhew – Anytime Try Scorer
Other Roosters Try Scorer: Billy Smith – Anytime Try Scorer
Other Knights Try Scorer: Dominic Young – Anytime Try Scorer
Roosters Playmaker Prop: Sam Walker – 1+ Try Assist
Knights Playmaker Prop: Kalyn Ponga – 1+ Try Assist
Tackle Prop: Harrison Graham – Over Tackles
Other Playmaker Prop: Daly Cherry-Evans – 1+ Try Assist
Higher-Odds Play: Mark Nawaqanitawase – 2+ Tries
View Our NRL Match Centre HERE to see statistics, betting insights & tips for all games
