Newcastle Knights continued their impressive form as they knocked off second-placed New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Result
Newcastle Knights 34
Tries: Dominic Young 5th; Greg Marzhew 18th, 69th; Tyson Frizell 28th; Phoenix Crossland 36th; Kurt Mann 64th
Goals: Lachlan Miller 6th, 29th, 37th, 65th, 70th
New Zealand Warriors 24
Tries: Adam Pompey 22nd, 49th; Edward Kosi 55th; Jackson Ford 71st
Goals: Shaun Johnson 23rd, 50th, 56th, 72nd
Report
It was a packed McDonald Jones Stadium for the Easter Sunday night clash between the Knights and Warriors. Coming off a 90-minute draw last week, Newcastle was buoyed by the news that Kalyn Ponga is set to return against the North Queensland Cowboys in round 9.
The Warriors sat in second place after a come from behind victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 5. They would still be without Tohu Harris through injury.
Dominic Young continued from where he finished last week, scoring the opening try and having a major influence on Greg Marzhew’s try with the Knights taking a 22-6 lead into the break.
Crucially, Charnze Nicoll-Kloskstad was denied a try by the Bunker at 16-6 for obstruction in the lead up. In the Knights next set they scored with Bradman Best’s kick for Pheonix Crossland to score adding to the visitor’s pain.
The Warriors dominated the early stages after half-time with Adam Pompey crossing for his second and Edward Kosi getting on the board. Shaun Johnson influential in kickstarting the Warriors revival with the Knights lead reduced to four points.
An error by Marcelo Montoya changed the momentum of the game and shortly after Kurt Mann slipped through the Warriors defence to score. Marzhew’s second saw the Knights lead 34-16.
However, the Warriors weren’t finished with Jackson Ford scoring his third career try but the home side held on to record their third win of 2023 and move inside the top eight.
It was a costly night for both teams with Wayde Egan (HIA), Te Maire Martin (ankle) and Jayden Brailey (knee) leaving the field with injuries.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Lachlan Miller (Knights)
2 – Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
1 – Dominic Young (Knights)
