FULLTIME: Roosters 19 v Newcastle 18: James Tedesco breaks Newcastle hearts
There is no question that has been one of the most courageous performances by any side in a grand final, but Roosters skipper James Tedesco has shown he has a fair bit of ticker himself. Two vital plays under pressure in the closing minutes to retain possession for his side has won the day for the Roosters.
Andrew Johns: Well, if you look at the stats, they should have got beaten by 50, but they hung in and got rolled by one point. I still can’t believe it. You look at the stats once again and against the team that pretty much full strength. Stacked full of origin players in the international, the Knights missing all their front row and their big marquee signing Dylan Brown, their halfback, somehow found a way to get in the grand final and then hung on, and that was disappointing. But this is one of the most courageous efforts I’ve seen.’
Daly Cherry-Evans: ‘I didn’t want to sound arrogant or overly confident, but I had so much belief in this club, the players, the coach. This is what it’s all about. And we did it. And I’m so, so proud to be here, and I just can’t wait to go see my family.’
Kalyn Ponga: ‘It hurts. It hurts so much. I know we did them proud, but the ultimate goal is to win a comp. Can’t thank them enough for their support. We’ll be back.’
