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.

The Sydney Roosters have the luxury of scoring in a variety ways. They can score from long-range through James Tedesco-inspired linebreaks, or slowly break down an opposition on the line.

Only the Warriors averaged more tackles inside the opposition 20 than the Roosters throughout the 2026 NRL season. If they weren’t turning that pressure into points at 26.4 per game (3rd), Sam Walker earned 23 forced dropouts (second-most in the NRL) to build more.

Overall, the Roosters lean slightly towards the right, but Mark Nawaqanitawase’s ability to turn nothing into something has a lot to do with that trend. He’s turned what would normally be a dead-end play for any other winger into points. It’s an important skill this week against a defence that will provide him with what looks like space down the sideline.

If the Roosters haven’t been able to crack the defence across the set, there are worse attacking options than kicking it to him in the corner.

The Newcastle Knights have developed into a top tier defensive team throughout the NRL Finals series. However, like every defensive system, there are flaws for Sam Walker to exploit.