The Mole’s player ratings: Horror stat exposes Knights champion
Updated . First published at
The Sydney Roosters eventually wore down a gallant Newcastle Knights to win a thrilling grand final 19-18 and the biggest moments were owned by the biggest names.
From Kalyn Ponga‘s heroics to get his side in front then drag them back to within a point of victory, to James Tedesco’s astonishing 80-minute performance, there were plenty of heroes on both sides.
James Tedesco receives the Clive Churchill Medal. Getty Images
But there were also players who struggled when the spotlight shone brightest.
That included one player who has stood up in big games throughout his career.
So who were the studs and who were the duds when the whips were cracking in the premiership decider?
Scroll on to see how every player involved in the grand final rated.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
Captain led by example to make it three grand final wins from three attempts – safe under pressure at the back, a try assist and a stack of running metres.
Rating: 9
2. Daniel Tupou
Didn’t get many chances in attack but his prowess under the high ball proved crucial several times.
Rating: 7
3. Billy Smith
Fine all-round performance, scoring a run and making several dangerous runs.
Rating: 7.5
4. Robert Toia
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia. Getty Images
Set up a try for Nawaqanitawase and troubled the Knights with his powerhouse running game.
Rating: 8
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Scored two of his special tries and almost got a third – rugby league is losing a true artist.
Rating: 8
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
The oldest man to play a grand final in the modern era used his experience to guide his team through a tense game, with his cool field-goal proving the difference.
Rating: 7.5
An overjoyed Daly Cherry-Evans celebrates winning the grand final with the Sydney Roosters. Nine
7. Sam Walker
Not his best game of the finals but involved in a try and his pressure kicking got the Roosters home.
Rating: 7
8. Naufahu Whyte
Powerful prop ended a wonderful season with nearly 200 run metres, continually bending back the Knights’ defensive line.
Rating: 8.5
Naufahu Whyte was enormous for the Roosters. Getty Images
9. Reece Robson
Started slowly but worked his way into the game and solid in the middle in defence.
Rating: 6
10. Lindsay Collins
As good as any prop in the final series, was strong again with some bone-rattling hits.
Rating: 8
Lindsay Collins and the Roosters celebrate their premiership win. Getty Images
11. Salesi Foketi
Topped the Roosters’ tackle count and set up a try – superb in the biggest game of his short career.
Rating: 8
12. Siua Wong
Missed the tackle that led to the Knights’ opening try but recovered to run for over 100 metres.
Rating: 7
13. Victor Radley
Copped an early whack on the head from Ponga that slowed him down a little but dependable and always busy.
Rating: 7
Victor Radley runs the ball for the Roosters. Getty Images
15. Angus Crichton
Only got 23 minutes of game time but held the team together in that short stint.
Rating: 6.5
16. Nat Butcher
The best of the Roosters bench players with 170 metres in 49 minutes – great stuff from the veteran local junior.
Rating: 7.5
17. Spencer Leniu
Turned the game with a cyclone-like 25-minute stint when the Roosters trailed 12-0 – possibly his best cameo in his time at the club.
Rating: 7.5
Newcastle Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga
Superb in a beaten team, always a danger to the Roosters and his length of the field try was a highlight.
Rating: 9
Kalyn Ponga makes a break in the grand final. Getty Images
2. Dominic Young
Got few chances in attack as the Knights struggled for field position and made a couple of errors under the high ball, but did come up with a vital try saving tackle.
Rating: 6.5
3. Dane Gagai
His great season at the Knights didn’t end well, missing eight tackles in his final game for the club.
Rating: 5
4. Bradman Best
Had an enthralling clash with Toia, finishing a close second to the boom young Rooster.
Rating: 7.5
5. Greg Marzhew
His clash with the taller Nawaqanitawase was a mismatch, but he did his best against the aerial maestro and scored a late try.
Rating: 7
6. Fletcher Sharpe
The talented pivot had a couple of nice moments but was generally down on his superb form during the season.
Rating: 6.5
Francis Manuleleua and Fletcher Sharpe celebrate a try. Getty Images
7. Sandon Smith
Couldn’t reproduce his heroics of last week but did his best to get his backline humming despite having so little field position.
Rating: 7
8. Tyson Frizell
Pulled off a couple of big hits but looked a player with over 300 games under the hood.
Rating: 6.5
Tyson Frizell and Thomas Cant before the grand final. Getty Images
19. Thomas Cant
Justified his late elevation into the starting side, playing the first 28 minutes at hooker and putting the Knights on top with his dummy-half work.
Rating: 7
10. Cody Hopwood
The youngest prop on the field but you wouldn’t know it – worked hard and didn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
Rating: 7.5
11. Jermaine McEwen
Did plenty of work but saw very little ball in dangerous positions with any room to move.
Rating: 6
12. Francis Manuleleua
Finished his rookie season in style, bursting through for the opening try and making several other telling bursts.
Rating: 7.5
13. Mathew Croker
Came up with plenty of effort plays, typical of the never say die Newcastle spirit.
Rating: 7
14. Harrison Graham
Youngster lifted the tempo from dummy half when he came onto the field but couldn’t quite crack the Roosters defence.
Rating: 6
15. Lachlan Crouch
Came on when the Roosters were dominating the game and could do little to turn the tide.
Rating: 5
16. Pasami Saulo
Another bench man who couldn’t bring anything to the field when he got his chance.
Rating: 5
17. Dylan Lucas
Still not 100 per cent fit after his long injury layoff but inspired his teammates with his mere presence after it looked like he was gone for the year.
Rating: 6
