Smith Joins Johns in Knights' Grand Final History

Sandon Smith has achieved a rare feat in Newcastle, joining legendary halfback Andrew Johns as one of the only two players to lead the Knights to a grand final.

Smith's impressive performance in the team's 22-14 win over Penrith on Sunday, which included a crucial try in the dying seconds, has cemented his place in the club's history books.

A Historic Achievement

"It's pretty cool to hear. I don't think I'm anywhere near that [Johns]," Smith said. "But it's an honour."

While it's natural to draw comparisons with Johns, who is widely regarded as the club's greatest player, Smith's achievement stands on its own merit. Johns's legacy looms large over the club, but Smith's success shows that he is capable of forging his own path.

Smith's Journey to the Grand Final

Smith's first try was a clever effort that showcased his speed, while his second try, a length-of-the-field intercept, sealed the club's first grand final berth in over 25 years.

"The first one I was just trying to stay in the game and I saw an opportunity. Those don't always come off, but it worked well," Smith said.

"The second one, I didn't know if I could make it. My little legs were hanging on for dear life. But I was happy to make it, I'm ecstatic."

Emotional Moment for Smith and Johns

Smith's try brought Johns to tears, and for many fans, it was the greatest moment of their supporting lives.

"It's hard to put into words. There's so much emotion going on. "I think there was a few tears coming out. I was happy, I was tired, I can't really explain it. "When I came to the club, I heard a lot about the town and how our football affects the town."

"It's hard to put into words when you're a part of it, but it's so true and it's so special, to be a part of something like this that is bigger than ourselves."

Smith's Focus on the Grand Final

Smith's Knights will face the Roosters in the grand final, a team he played for from 2023 to 2025 before joining Newcastle.

"It won't change anything for me. I'll enjoy it, I'll embrace this whole week. I'll stay in the moment. It's just another team and it doesn't change anything for myself or the team," Smith said.

"If we win a grand final, I don't think it matters who it'd be against."

Smith has had a strong season, thriving under the coaching of Justin Holbrook, who he worked with at the Roosters.

"Justo's been such a rock for me over the past few years, [especially] coming to the club with him when I was unsure about what this year would look like for me," Smith said.

"He constantly reassured me to keep my head down, keep enjoying myself and keep getting better. The NRL season is a long season and your moment will come. He kept saying you need to be ready when that moment comes."