Naufahu Whyte’s grand-final performance points to bigger NRL future

Naufahu Whyte helped drive the Sydney Roosters to a 19-18 victory over Newcastle in the 2026 NRL grand final, producing a performance that strengthened his standing as one of the competition’s leading forwards. Whyte made 187 metres in the match and was involved in the Roosters’ efforts to recover from a 12-0 deficit. His defensive work forced errors, while his repeated carries helped create the ruck speed that contributed to Mark Nawaqanitawase’s decisive second-half try.

Roosters captain James Tedesco was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal after producing 388 running metres, 12 tackle busts, two forced dropouts and a try assist. Tedesco and Whyte were described as the premiers’ two best players. The pair combined for 55 runs and carried the ball for more than half a kilometre.

Whyte’s performance was notable because middle forwards have rarely won the Churchill Medal; Sam Burgess was the last to do so, in 2014, while Brent Kite won it in 2008. Whyte, 24, said Tedesco deserved the award and praised his captain’s contribution. He described Tedesco as his brother and “the best fullback in the game ever”.

The premiership was the Roosters’ first in seven years, according to the source material. Whyte also recently won the Dally M Prop of the Year award, adding to a rapidly growing collection of honours. Despite his grand-final display, Whyte said he did not believe he had reached his best.

He said he was still at the start of his career and had substantial work ahead of him. Whyte said the team had retained belief even when trailing and that the confidence helped the Roosters withstand Newcastle’s challenge. He described the victory as the best feeling ever and said he had cried and screamed during the celebrations.