He was the best forward in the grand final, but Whyte's best is yet to come

The 2026 NRL grand final was an unforgettable match, one that will be remembered by fans for years to come. Kalyn Ponga scored the game's only try, Newcastle displayed a heroic defense, while Mark Nawaqanitawase played a crucial role in the Knights' victory. James Tedesco won the Clive Churchill Medal, but Naufahu Whyte believes he was the standout player on the field.

Together, Tedesco and Whyte combined for 55 runs, with Whyte adding 187 meters to Tedesco's total, covering more than half a kilometer of ball-carrying. While Tedesco had 12 tackle busts, two forced dropouts, and a try assist, Whyte forced several errors with his impressive defense, establishing himself as one of the game's best forwards.

Winning the award as a middle forward is no easy feat, as only a few have managed to do so in the past. Sam Burgess was the last front-rower to win the Clive Churchill Medal in 2014, while the last prop was Brent Kite in 2008. Despite his success, Whyte remains humble and acknowledges that he has much more room for improvement. He expressed his gratitude to his captain, Naufahu Ponga, stating that he deserves the Clive Churchill Medal for his outstanding performance throughout the season.

Whyte's own trophy cabinet is already filled with accolades, including the Dally M Prop Of The Year award, but he is determined to add more to his collection. After winning the grand final, Whyte is eager to relive the moment and cherish every aspect of the triumph.