Knights Secure NRL Grand Final Spot Following Dramatic Preliminary Win Over Panthers

Sports commentator Ken Laban joined Dale Husband on Waatea News on Monday, 28 September 2026, to discuss a weekend of high-stakes rugby league that saw the Newcastle Knights secure their place in the NRL Grand Final. In a performance defined by resilience, the Knights defeated the Penrith Panthers 22-14, marking their first successful bid for a championship decider since 2001. The victory was particularly notable as Newcastle played a significant portion of the match with only 12 men. This followed the dismissal of Phoenix Crossland, who was sent off during the encounter. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Knights held firm against a Penrith side that suffered its own setback when star halfback Nathan Cleary was transported to the hospital with a broken leg. Speaking on Radio Waatea, Laban reflected on the Knights' momentum, which included a narrow 12-10 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Eden Park the previous week. That earlier match had been the subject of discussion after the NRL later acknowledged an incorrect refereeing decision had occurred during the contest. Looking ahead, the Newcastle Knights are scheduled to face the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Grand Final on 4 October 2026. The Roosters earned their place in the final after defeating the Dolphins 36-20 in their respective preliminary final. Laban and Husband highlighted the significance of the result for Newcastle fans, who have waited over two decades to see their team return to the league's biggest stage. The upcoming clash concludes a 2026 season that Laban described as delivering extraordinary drama for the sport.