Newcastle Knights have reached their first NRL grand final in 25 years in a stunning come from behind victory over Penrith Panthers, and despite playing the entire second half with only 12 men on the field.

And the 22-14 win may rank as one of the biggest preliminary final upsets in modern rugby league history, capping a remarkable turnaround for a side that finished dead last the previous season.

Last year’s preliminary finalists Penrith looked firmly in control of the contest, when the match swung dramatically in the closing stages of the first half. In the 36th minute Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary suffered a devastating compound ankle injury from a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was immediately shown a red card and sent from the field.

At that point, Penrith held a 14–6 half-time lead, their premiership pedigree overwhelming Newcastle in the opening exchanges.

Tactically, Penrith built their early advantage through patient middle-field carries and controlled kicking from Cleary, forcing repeat attacking sets and capitalising on small Knights defensive lapses to build their lead. Once Cleary left the field for hospital, the Panthers lost their primary playmaking anchor.

Their attack became rigid and predictable, relying heavily on one-out forward hit-ups without the varied kicking or edge movement that defines their champion-era style. Without Cleary’s decision-making, Penrith struggled to convert sustained pressure into points.

Down to 12 players for the full second half, Newcastle’s game plan shifted masterfully to disciplined line speed and sharp counter-attack. Sandon Smith delivered a career-defining masterclass, scoring a double, including a breathtaking 80-metre intercept try that swung momentum firmly Newcastle’s way, while Dom Young’s try stretched the scoreboard and crushed Penrith’s comeback hopes.

No one expected us to push on after the red card, but we never lost belief.

Sandon Smith, Newcastle halfback

The Knights compressed their defensive line to limit Penrith’s easy metres, cutting off central gains and forcing rushed decisions. They soaked up wave after wave of Panther attacks, hunted for turnovers and struck ruthlessly when opportunities emerged. Their ability to slow Penrith’s roll on the final tackle was the defining tactical win of the night.

Penrith fought hard in the final quarter and spent long periods camped inside Newcastle territory, but without Cleary’s kicking and game management, they could not convert pressure into points.

“We knew Penrith would keep throwing everything at us,” said man of the match Smith.

“We just kept trusting our defensive structure. That intercept came from us forcing them into a bad decision.

“No one expected us to push on after the red card, but we never lost belief.”

Ivan Cleary, Penrith’s head coach, said after the match: “We decided to start Nathan on the bench to manage his injury load. We wanted to protect him early and bring him on when the game was on the line.

“I think Nathan watched the second half of the game in the ambulance, which probably made it harder for him. It’s a devastating way for our season to finish.”

The upset completes Newcastle’s fairytale turnaround, from wooden spooners last year to grand finalists. They will face the Sydney Roosters next Sunday for the premiership final, carrying the incredible story of their 12-man preliminary final triumph into rugby league’s biggest stage.

Main image screenshot of Sandon Smith scoring a try from NRL.com.