Newcastle Knights reach NRL grand final a year after wooden spoon

Newcastle Knights are through to the 2026 NRL grand final, 12 months after finishing bottom for the fourth time in 11 seasons.

The Guardian describes the preliminary final as one of the most controversial and climactic in the history of the game.

Last season the club sacked coach Adam O'Brien midway through his sixth year in charge. Newcastle have had five winning seasons since 2003 and have won one finals game since 2013. They have finished higher than seventh once in that time. The Guardian also lists ownership changes and a loss of identity among the club's problems.

One incident shaped the board's thinking. O'Brien said booing Newcastle fans "don't know anything about rugby league". The club concluded it needed to go back to its roots and respect a fanbase the Guardian calls one of the most loyal and knowledgeable in the game.

That led them to Justin Holbrook, formerly head coach of Gold Coast Titans. He spent two years at Newcastle as a player.

If the grand final appearance holds up as more than one good run, this may mean the club has found a direction after a long period without one.