The 2016 NRL Grand Final has been run and won, now we take a look at all the players and rate their contributions to the big game.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco - A game for the ages - putting the team on his back in a massive way and undoubtedly the best player on the field, right down to falling on that ball in the final minute. 9.5
2. Daniel Tupou - Solid night for the veteran. Handled the one short dropout that came his way and didn't put a foot wrong. 7.5
3. Billy Smith - His biggest problem has been staying fit but he's put together an excellent 2026 and capped it off with a try in the biggest game. 7.5
4. Robert Toia - Very solid performance as always, had a job to keep Bradman Best quiet and did so aptly. 7
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase - How do we keep this guy in rugby league? Tedesco was best on ground but they don't win without Marky Mark. What a player. 9
6. Daly Cherry-Evans - Fairytale ending to an amazing career. Anyone with a brain thought this signing would be the thing to push the Chooks over the top in 2026 and it clearly was. 8
7. Sam Walker - An incredible effort to even get back after that ankle injury, and I don't think they win without him - a composed performance from the young halfback. 7.5
8. Naufahu Whyte - Led from the front all night long, has a real case to be in the conversation as the best middle forward in the sport right now. 8
9. Reece Robson - Looked lively all night and ran the ball smartly, another shrewd signing that really paid off this year. 7
10. Lindsay Collins - Almost got rewarded with a try but a solid game as always from the veteran. 7
11. Salesi Foketi - Where did this guy come from? From a bit-part player to one of their most-important forwards, his second half of the year is something to behold, and he was great tonight. 8
12. Siua Wong - A mainstay in this forward pack for a few years now, another solid game from one of their unsung heroes. 7
13. Victor Radley - So many important touches at the line, it's vital to have a passing middle forward in the modern game and Radley fits that bill perfectly for the Roosters. 7.5
Bench:
15. Angus Crichton - His last game before heading to rugby, but he made every minute count while he was out there. 7
16. Nat Butcher - A real underrated great of the Roosters' new era, ripped in with huge minutes off the bench, capping off his best season at the club. 7.5
17. Spencer Leniu - An unused substitute last week, he played like someone with a point to prove today. 7
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga -Everywhere in defence and took his try brilliantly. On a night where Newcastle were on the back foot throughout, he did his absolute best. 8
2. Dominic Young - His second half error absolutely killed them - a return to Newcastle has been such a great story until tonight. Should still hold his head high. 5.5
3. Dane Gagai - It's not time on his NRL career but it is on his Knights career. Had a couple of solid runs but just didn't have many chances. 6
4. Bradman Best - A big game player who simply didn't get many chances to prove himself in a big game. 6
5. Greg Marzhew - Was targeted a lot in the air and was beaten by Nawaqanitawase a few times - a late try was a nice consolation for a tough evening. 6
6. Fletcher Sharpe - Just never got in the game - and dropping the ball cold when Newcastle got their only good ball set of the second half was brutal. 5
7. Sandon Smith - Had so many great clutch plays last week but like his halves partner, never really got a chance to stamp anything on this match. 5.5
8. Tyson Frizell - A superb opening stint from the veteran under massive fire, what a player he's been for over a decade now. 6.5
19. Thomas Cant - Started in an unfamiliar position and did brilliantly. Went off the field after half an hour when it looked like the Knights were in a winning position. Came back on late when they weren't. 7.5
10. Cody Hopwood - A star in the making but just not his night - this inexperienced pack just couldn't gain any ascendancy. 5.5
11. Jermaine McEwen - Rock solid once again, another unheralded key member of this team. 6
12. Francis Manuleleua - A beautiful try and a moment for Newcastle fans to believe, but it all fell apart late. He looks great though. 7.5
13. Mathew Croker - It's become so in vogue to call Mat Croker underrated that he may no longer be underrated. A solid game given the circumstances. 6
Bench:
14. Harrison Graham - Did his best when he came on but very few positive sets to work with. 5.5
15. Lachlan Crouch - Will feature heavily in this team for years to come. 5.5
16. Pasami Saulo - A smart signing from the Raiders and a great depth piece for most of the year, but really not a night for any Newcastle forwards. 5
17. Dylan Lucas - It's truly staggering that he's even playing after that injury so I want to give him an extra point just for that. 7