Worst to first: Newcastle claim NRLW title in stunning turnaround

Ronnie Griffiths arrived at the helm of a winless Newcastle outfit wanting to recapture what it meant to be a Knight. So like Allan McMahon, Malcolm Reilly and those who went before him, he relied on three things: talent, toughness, and plenty of tomorrows.

They found talent in Karyn Murphy Medallist Tamika Upton, the fleet-footed fullback who may well be the best No.1 in the game. They found it in a 17-year-old halfback in Jesse Southwell who needed dispensation just to play in this competition. Southwell has been speaking with Newcastle’s greatest No. 7 in Andrew Johns for advice all season and did so again moments before the grand final. Now Griffiths thinks she would suit an Australian jersey at the World Cup.

They found toughness in Millie Boyle and Caitlan Johnston, who come charging off the back fence and take three defenders with them every time.

As for the tomorrows? On Monday, they’ll wake up as premiers after beating the Parramatta Eels 32-12 – going from worst to first within two seasons – in front of an NRLW record 42,921 fans at Accor Stadium on Sunday.

At 17, Southwell’s celebrations were limited to soft drinks. But that was never going to dampen the mood after the Immortal-inspired rookie shone on the game’s biggest stage.

“Joey has been helping me throughout the whole competition. He’s been sending me messages and stuff like that, and he’s been giving me heaps of tips on what to do and how to deal with certain situations,” Southwell said.

The Knights celebrate an NRLW premiership.Credit: Getty

“Joey came into the sheds just before the game and helped us out with a few things. My dad watched Joey while we were kids. Seeing someone like that come in and talk to me is very, very cool.”

Parramatta were $151 outsiders to win the competition little more than a fortnight ago, yet never looked a side daunted by the occasion. It was fitting the first try for the NRLW’s Cinderella story came through Parramatta hooker Brooke Anderson, who had retired from football following knee surgery, two shoulder reconstructions and a torn Achilles within a four-year span. Centre Abbi Church was soon saving tries like she does lives in her day job as a paramedic.

Yet it would only be a matter of time before the Knights woke from their daze. Two tries inside four minutes gave the Knights the ascendancy. Upton laid on the first for Kiana Takairangi. Rookie of the year Southwell put back-rower Romy Teitzel over virtually untouched. There were shades of the Johns and Ben Kennedy masterclass 21 years ago.

“We wouldn’t trade Tamika for anyone else. I haven’t had a student of the game like that for a very long time. She really yearns to learn more about the game, it’s unbelievable,” Griffiths said.

Simaima Taufa would keep the Eels in the hunt, Parramatta clawing their way back to six points adrift as they hammered the Knights’ line. But before Newcastle left their hotel on Sunday morning, they watched a 12-minute highlight reel of their best defensive efforts. Just like they did in those moments, they kept turning up.

Gayle Broughton was denied a potential equaliser after she pushed Yasmin Clydsdale in the back, before Takairangi, Southwell and Clydsdale all crossed inside the final five minutes to claim the Knights’ first top-tier title since 2001.

“We didn’t have the biggest names of signings, we recruited a lot from our own backyard, and we fought. That’s all we asked of these girls. The emotion shows because we care so much about the jersey,” a tearful Taufa said.

Watch the NRL grand final exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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