Newcastle Knights players boarded a charter flight home to Williamtown on Monday morning after Sunday’s 22-14 preliminary-final win over Penrith, beginning a short grand-final camp at McDonald Jones Stadium before they fly back to Sydney for the 4 October decider against the Roosters.
Mitch Crowley’s sports desk said coach Adam O’Brien scheduled a light recovery session Monday afternoon, mindful that several Knights played more than 70 minutes while Penrith lost Nathan Cleary to a leg injury that ended his night in an ambulance. The Knights will review video of Roosters halfback combinations Tuesday, when NRL team lists for the grand final are due.
The physical toll
Medical staff cleared Kalyn Ponga’s shoulder after a heavy hit in the second half, but winger Dane Gagai wore strapping on his ribs after leaping for a crucial line-dropout catch. Sandon Smith’s late intercept try sealed the win, yet the hooker limped through the post-match presentation, suggesting the Knights may manage minutes during the week.
Penrith’s loss without Cleary reshapes the Roosters’ preparation: Sydney’s attack no longer needs to plan for a fit Cleary at five-eighth, but the Knights must respect Roosters speed on both edges after Friday’s 36-20 preliminary win over the Dolphins.
Fans and travel
Newcastle Airport added extra security lanes for the charter return, with thousands of supporters expected to make the 90-minute drive to Olympic Park on grand-final day. NSW Transport flagged additional trains from Gosford and the Central Coast, learning from Sunday’s queues when Cleary’s injury news drew late crowds.
Ticketek reported resale volumes within normal ranges Monday, with median prices below 2024’s Panthers-heavy market. Knights members receive a priority ballot window before general release, a policy the club extended after criticism during their 2001 premiership run.
Historical angle
Newcastle’s last grand final appearance was 2001; the Roosters chase a 16th title and their first since 2019. Head-to-head records favour Sydney, but Knights officials argue this squad’s seven-from-eight finals run proves they can upset the eastern-suburbs glamour club. For Novocastrians flying home Monday, the immediate task is rest — October 4 arrives fast.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson will run a captain’s run at Moore Park on Wednesday, with media access limited to protect tactical plans for Ponga’s kicking game. Knights staff said they will train behind closed doors until Thursday, when the NRL mandates a combined media opportunity at Olympic Park.
Club merchandise stores in Hunter Street reported sell-outs of replica jerseys by midday, forcing an overnight restock from Sydney suppliers ahead of the week-long celebrations planned along the harbour foreshore.