Undermanned Knights continue fairytale run in stirring prelim victory

For the first time in 25 years, the Newcastle Knights are in the NRL Grand Final following a miraculous preliminary final win against Penrith at Accor Stadium.

Having finished dead last in 2025, the Knights under new coach Justin Holbrook have managed to run the table in their three finals matches to progress into the big dance. They are the first side to achieve this feat since the Sydney Roosters in 2009/10.

The Novocastrians faced plenty of adversity throughout the clash, having been reduced to 12 men after Kiwi hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during the first half and were down 14-6 at the main break.

But, like they have done all finals series, Newcastle used their underdog tag to fuel their motivation in the second half with a Sandon Smith double and a Dominic Young try, securing a famous victory.

Reacting in real time on SEN League, Jimmy Smith called it one of the most extraordinary games you'll see.

"(It's) the most extraordinary game of rugby league you've ever seen," Smith declared.

Newcastle will return to the same venue in a week's to face the Sydney Roosters for the Provan-Summons Trophy.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match across our radio network and on the SEN app from 12pm AEDT on October 4.