Newcastle's NRL finals win over South Sydney is proof the future has come
The Newcastle Knights secured a 20-10 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the opening match of the 2026 NRL finals series. Despite being considered underdogs, the young Newcastle squad overcame injuries and a contentious officiating call to win their first away final in 13 years.
Why it matters
This result marks a significant shift in the NRL landscape, highlighting the emergence of new talent and the potential for a major upset in the 2026 championship race.
Newcastle's young guns rose to the occasion to win Friday night's semi. ( Getty Images: Cameron Spencer )
Link copied Share Share article If Newcastle were going to pull off a classic finals ambush on South Sydney they were going to need some new heroes to be born under the bright lights of the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Knights went into the game light up front, not in size, strength or willingness, but certainly in experience and definitely in recognition . After their 20-10 win over South Sydney, however, they will never have the luxury of being underestimated again.
Across 80 minutes of a classic blood-and-thunder final, fresh faces and young legs won the day as the star-studded Rabbitohs outfit fought on despite being busted until they were finally beaten.
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