Pacific stars shine as Roosters complete NRL double in Grand Final

Mark Nawaqanitawase saved one of his biggest performances for the biggest stage, scoring twice as the Sydney Roosters edged the Newcastle Knights 19-18 to claim their 16th NRL premiership.

The Fijian-heritage winger was one of several Pacific players to make their mark at Accor Stadium in Sydney as the Roosters completed a championship double on Sunday night.

More than 80,000 fans watched the Roosters fight back from a 12-6 halftime deficit with Nawaqanitawase eventualy delivering the try that put the result beyond Newcastle's reach.

The 26-year-old had already had one try ruled out before producing his first legitimate four-pointer in the 35th minute.

He recovered the ball after teammate Rob Toia's play, kicked ahead and regathered to score.

Nawaqanitawase struck again in the second half, finishing an unstructured Roosters’ attack on the edge to put his side ahead.

Roosters Fijian winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to join Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights, with the 26-year-old eyeing a Wallabies return for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Mark Evans/Photosport.

He finished with 217 run metres, six tackle breaks and a line break in a standout performance. It was a fitting finish to his first season in rugby league after switching from rugby union.

The former Wallaby is now set to return to Japan with the Saitama Wild Knights, with his rugby league season potentially strengthening his push for a Wallabies return ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

But Newcastle had plenty of Pacific impact of their own. Sāmoan talent Francis Manuleleua was instrumental in Newcastle’s early charge, running a sharp line to break through the Roosters’ defence and open the scoring.

Sāmoan talent Francis Manuleleua celebrates after scoring the opening try for the Knights in his first NRL grand final appearance. Photo/Photosport/Dan Himbrechts

Newcastle continued to threaten late, with winger Greg Marzhew scoring to bring the Knights back within one point before Nawaqanitawase’s second try settled the contest.

Earlier in the day, the Roosters women had set the tone with a dominant 30-6 win over the Brisbane Broncos to claim their third NRLW premiership.

The Roosters raced to a a 26-0 halftime lead and never looked back, completing a perfect 13-win season.

That included 11 regular-season matches and both finals.

Tarryn Aiken took out the Karyn Murphy Medal while captain Isabelle Kelly and a dominat forward pack helped the Roosters control the grand final from the opening exchanges.

The victory also ended the NRLW career of Broncos great Ali Brigginshaw, who leaves the game with another permiership.

But for the Roosters, the celbrations continued long after the final whistle.

Forward Millie Elliott said last year’s grand final loss had fuelled the side throughout their perfect campaign this year as the Tricolours added another chapter to their growing dominance.

The club has now walked away from the same grand final day with both the NRL and NRLW titles while Pacific talent played a major role in one of the biggest nights of the season.