Newcastle Knights pulled off one of the most remarkable preliminary final victories in recent NRL history, beating Penrith Panthers 22–14 at Accor Stadium to seal their place in the Grand Final.
The match pivoted in the 36th minute. Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland received a red card for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary, who suffered a compound fracture of his left ankle and was taken from the field.
That left Newcastle playing the final 44 minutes with just 12 players.
Against a Penrith side packed with finals experience, Newcastle’s defensive resilience proved decisive. The Knights did not concede a point in the second half and instead scored three tries themselves despite playing with 12 men.
Penrith’s Early Momentum and the Red-Card Turning Point
Newcastle made the brighter start and established an early 6–0 lead before Penrith gradually took control of the first half.
Nathan Cleary did not start the game, with the Panthers managing a broken foot by naming him on the interchange bench. NRL team updates confirmed Jack Cogger would start at halfback, with Cleary moving to the interchange bench.
Penrith eventually took a 14–6 lead into half-time.
Embed from Getty ImagesCrossland’s dismissal appeared to give Penrith a major advantage. Instead, Newcastle adapted quickly.
Rather than allowing the numerical disadvantage to create gaps across their defensive line, the Knights stayed composed, scrambled effectively and repeatedly frustrated Penrith near the tryline.
The red card changed the complexion of the contest, but it did not break Newcastle.
Newcastle’s Compact Defensive System With Twelve Men
Newcastle responded to the send-off with remarkable defensive discipline.
With one fewer defender, the Knights regularly compressed around the middle and scrambled effectively when Penrith moved the ball towards the edges.
Most importantly, they did not concede a point in the second half, despite playing the entire final 40 minutes with 12 men.
Penrith continued to enjoy opportunities and territory, but Newcastle repeatedly found a way out of trouble.
The Knights forced errors at important moments, defended their own line with urgency and remained organised despite having one fewer player.
Sandon Smith delivered the game’s decisive moments.
He scored twice, including a spectacular 80-metre intercept in the final seconds. Dom Young also crossed as Newcastle found three very different routes to second-half points.
Young finished a sweeping attacking move in the 43rd minute. Smith then punished Penrith’s lack of concentration with a quick penalty tap in the 59th before sealing the victory with his late intercept.
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle’s ability to attack while short-handed made the performance even more impressive.
Rather than simply attempting to protect their position, the Knights took their opportunities when they appeared and made Penrith pay for costly lapses.
Penrith’s Struggle to Break Down the 12-Man Defence
Cleary’s departure forced Penrith to reorganise their attack at a crucial stage of the contest.
The Panthers continued to create field position and had several late opportunities near Newcastle’s line, but they repeatedly failed to turn that pressure into points.
Newcastle’s scramble defence proved decisive.
One of the biggest moments arrived in the 72nd minute when Kalyn Ponga and Jermaine McEwen combined to stop Casey McLean just short of the line.
Penrith kept building pressure during the final quarter, but Newcastle stood firm.
The Knights repelled repeated attacking sets and prevented the Panthers from generating the momentum they needed for a comeback.
Losing Cleary removed one of Penrith’s principal kicking and organising options, but Newcastle still had to withstand sustained pressure from a Panthers side containing numerous experienced finals players.
Their ability to survive those late attacking sets ultimately decided the contest.
Embed from Getty ImagesPenrith had chances to exploit the extra man but could not find the decisive pass or kick required to reopen Newcastle’s defence.
The longer the second half continued without another Panthers try, the greater Newcastle’s belief appeared to become.
What the Upset Means for the NRL Grand Final
Newcastle will take on the Sydney Roosters in next Sunday’s Grand Final as they chase the third premiership in the club’s history.
The Knights previously lifted the title in 1997 and 2001.
Their transformation across the past 12 months has been extraordinary. Newcastle finished last season with the wooden spoon but have now gone from the bottom of the ladder to the Grand Final.
For Penrith, the defeat means a second successive season without a Grand Final appearance.
Their run of five consecutive deciders from 2020 to 2024 ended when Brisbane beat them in the 2025 preliminary final.
Newcastle’s victory also underlined how much defensive discipline can matter in finals football.
The Knights overcame the loss of a player for 44 minutes and survived repeated Penrith attacks without conceding a point in the second half.
They also showed enough attacking ambition to punish the Panthers whenever an opportunity appeared.
The preliminary final will be remembered for Newcastle’s resilience, their ability to capitalise on Penrith mistakes and the remarkable achievement of scoring three second-half tries while playing with 12 men.
From Crossland’s red card to Smith’s match-sealing intercept, the contest repeatedly appeared to be turning against Newcastle.
Instead, the Knights found a way through.
They are now one victory away from their first premiership since 2001.
What do you think was Newcastle’s smartest defensive adjustment after the red card?
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