Arabic version: نايتس يتقدمون على رابيتوهس 10-6 عند الاستراحة في النهائي

According to ABC News, Newcastle led South Sydney 10-6 at half-time in their elimination final at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The Knights built a 10-0 advantage when Dane Gagai scored after Sandon Smith sent a kick through a high, static South Sydney defence. Smith converted the try. Newcastle had earlier created pressure through repeat sets and their wing pairing of Dom Young and Greg Marzhew had made strong gains in the opening half.

South Sydney responded in the 36th minute, with Keaon Koloamatangi breaking from a tackle before the ball moved right to Campbell Graham in the corner. Latrell Mitchell converted, cutting the deficit to four points. Graham had also produced key defensive plays, including tackles that prevented Newcastle scoring opportunities.

The first half featured a significant scuffle involving Mitchell and Gagai. Cody Walker was placed on report for a high shot on Jermaine McEwen before leaving the field after going down while attempting to tackle Young, with ABC News reporting that his night appeared over.

Koloamatangi had run a South Sydney-high 111 metres from 13 runs at the break, including 40 post-contact metres. Young had 159 metres for Newcastle, while Marzhew had 133 and Jermain McEwan led the Knights forwards with 114 metres.