Both Easts and Newcastle have taken the long route to an unlikely 2026 NRL Grand Final matchup but there’s no denying either team, now they’re here.   Newcastle’s defence has been superb in the past month; twice overcoming sin-bins against top-tier opposition best captures how hard this Knights squad is working for each other right now.  On the other hand, Easts power game through the middle and attacking flair on the edges has made them the most dangerous offensive team in the NRL this year and in the post-season.  By the Numbers  With just 34 points conceded across their past three games, the Newcastle Knights are the personification of ‘defence wins premierships’…

The 2026 NRLW regular season was far from a two-horse race but the quinella favourites have ultimately played their way into Sunday’s decider.   Easts are unbeaten after 10 games played this year; an astonishing feat that sees them carry deserving favouritism into the big dance.   Opposing them on Sunday though, is a champion Broncos side that have played themselves into premiership-defending form thanks largely to familiar names Ali Brigginshaw, Tamika Upton and Shannon Mato in the pack.   By the Numbers  Even casual fans of the NRLW will be familiar with Tamika Upton by now.   The best player in the women’s game has put the Broncos on her back again this year to post some simply ridiculous…