Nawaqanitawase's first try came when centre partner Rob Toia batted back an attacking kick, leaving the ball to bobble on the turf. The winger regathered it to score, kicking it ahead twice with both feet along the way. His second followed a Daly Cherry-Evans kick that ricocheted off the uprights and landed in his hands.
The win delivered the Roosters their first premiership since 2019 and a fairytale farewell to retiring veteran Cherry-Evans, whose field goal 10 minutes from full time proved the difference. Captain James Tedesco ran for more than 300 metres and was in tears after the final whistle, while Spencer Leniu produced the game of his life.
Newcastle, wooden spooners last season, led by 12 points at one stage before being worn down by the Roosters' 90 per cent completion rate. Pinned in their own half for most of the match, the Knights pulled a late try back through Greg Marzhew but could not close the gap. "It hurts so much," star fullback Kalyn Ponga said afterwards.
The result has intensified speculation over Nawaqanitawase's future, with reports of a secret meeting that could deliver the winger back to the Roosters after his rugby stint. As match reports noted, it is often said that whenever a player switches codes they are replaceable, but Nawaqanitawase's grand final display has given that notion a serious challenge.