Before we dive into the X’s and O’s of the 2026 NRL Grand Final, check the Team List Analysis to get across the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights squads named for the big day.

There isn’t much to say about the Newcastle Knights attack that I haven’t already said over the last couple of weeks.

Just this week: “This is one of the most expansive and instinctive attacking teams I’ve seen in a long time.”

They looked much-improved with Dylan Brown at halfback to start the season. He massively exceeded expectations and led what was a developing attack before his injury. But, looking back, a lot of his best actions are still being recreated without him.

There’s the shift from outside the 20-metre zone, the half digging into the four-man with a lead inside three-man. We’ve seen it time and time and time again.

It’s been the action that has pulled all three opponents to pieces so far in the NRL Finals, and will be at the top of the scouting report for the Sydney Roosters ahead of the Grand Final on Sunday.

Where else will the Knights look?

They’re unlikely to change a winning formula at this point of the season. Until a team can consistently contain Kalyn Ponga out the back of those long shifts crossing halfway, why would they?