Kalyn Ponga secures NRL Finals MVP after close grand final loss

Kalyn Ponga of the Newcastle Knights retains the NRL Finals MVP title for 2026 despite the team's one-point defeat to the Sydney Roosters in the grand final held on October 6. Both Ponga and Mark Nawaqanitawase received 20 votes, but Ponga maintained the lead through previous rounds. James Tedesco finished third, earning multiple best-on-ground votes. Voting was conducted by four judges using a weighted system for the grand final. Ponga's performance highlights his impact throughout the finals series, which included a narrow final match against the Roosters.

• 12:47 AMZero Tackle NRL — One vote at the top as Tedesco surges late: Zero Tackle’s NRL Finals MVP, Grand Final