The nib Newcastle Knights came from behind to snatch a 10-8 win against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium to start the 2025 campaign.
The Tigers led 8-0 at halftime but the Knights scored all the points in the second half after reducing the handling errors that had marred the opening 40 minutes.
Fletcher Sharpe scored in the 54th minute and Greg Marzhew put the Knights ahead for the first time just 12 minutes before fulltime.
How it played out:
8th min: Samoan international Jeral Skelton scored the first try for Benji Marshall’s new look team after May offloaded to Luai, who appeared set to kick before passing to Adam Doueihi to create an overlap on the left for Skelton to cross in the corner. Doueihi converted from the sideline.
17th min: Another recruit, Sunia Turuva, prevented a Bradman Best outside flick and forced a knock-on in the process. A failed Captain’s Challenge by the Knights mean the visitors can no longer contest any rulings by referee Liam Kennedy.
30th min: A Doueihi penalty goal extends the Tigers lead to 8-0.
34th min: Bradman Best has been Newcastle’s best in attack but he was twice denied after a try saving tackle from Turuva and a double-movement as he reached out to plant the ball on the Tigers’ line.
38th min: Newcastle’s best scoring chance went begging after a Best pass to an unmarked Marzhew went behind the winger and rolled over the sideline.
40th min: The Knights went into the sheds behind 8-0.
41st min: Jack Bird had been placed on report after match officials studied footage at halftime of him pulling the hair of Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland in a scrum melee just before the break.
54th min: A 45m bust by Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas after a Luai kick gifted Newcastle a seven-tackle set got the visitors into the game after five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe scored from dummy half.
59th min: Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti was ordered from the field for a HIA after appearing to run into Seyfarth’s shoulder in a tackle.
68th min: Newcastle hit the front for the first time in the match after Ponga and Best combined to create an overlap for Marzhew to score – although they made it hard for themselves with a number of loose passes. Knights 10-8.
80th min: The Knights would hold onto claim a two-point victory.
What’s next:
The Knights return home in front of the Hunter faithful taking on the Dolphins next Thursday at McDonald Jones Stadium.