Knights teen’s grand final debut still alive as 24-hour crunch call made
The Roosters and Knights have made the call to cut one player each from their grand final squads, 24 hours out from the kick-off.
For Newcastle, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has dropped off the reserves with the remainder of the squad unchanged. The decision from the Knights means 19-year-old young gun Diesel Hagan could still make his debut. At the Roosters, Tommy Talau is the man who misses out.
Diesel Hagan in action for Newcastle. Instagram
On Friday it was confirmed Connor Watson would miss the NRL grand final.
Watson had been in a fitness race having suffered a concussion barely a minute after getting on the field in last Friday’s preliminary final against the Dolphins.
Watson was clearly dazed and had to be assisted from the field. His HIA was originally ruled a category two by the Roosters, but was upgraded to a category one by the independent doctor.
On Thursday, Roosters coach Trent Robinson said whether or not Watson would play in what would be his final game for the Tricolours was “out of his hands”.
Watson is Dragons-bound in 2027 before joining the Chiefs in 2028.
“He had an appointment (Thursday) morning that went well, and he’s got another one (Thursday) afternoon, but it’s out of our hands,” the Roosters coach said.
“We’ll get a ruling on (his fitness) either (Thursday or Friday) and he’ll either be in or out, it’s pretty simple from our end.
“He’s got one more (test) to do.
"You don't give it energy. If they play, they play. If they don't, they don't … you never walk down the same path twice, and we are really clear on 2026."
Benaiah Ioelu has been named as Watson’s replacement on the extended bench.
Phoenix Crossland was initially named in the No.9 jersey for the Knights but will miss the game after being suspended by the judiciary on Tuesday night. While Harrison Graham has been moved to the hooker spot, Andrew Johns revealed rumours teen rake Diesel Hagan could make his debut and start the grand final.
The final teams will be confirmed at 6.30pm Sunday – one hour before kick-off.
NRL grand final teams
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans7. Sam Walker8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley INTERCHANGE: 20. Benaiah Ioelu (to be confirmed) 15. Angus Crichton 16. Nat Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Hugo Savala 19. Cody Ramsey RESERVES: 22. Egan Butcher
OUT: 14. Connor Watson (concussion)
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 14. Harrison Graham10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker INTERCHANGE: 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Thomas Cant 20. Kyle McCarthy RESERVES: 21. Diesel Hagan
OUT: 9. Phoenix Crossland (suspended)
