The nib Newcastle Knights have completed the 2024 Pre-Season Challenge following an historic trial match against the Melbourne Storm in Lautoka, Fiji.
The game was the first official NRL match held in Fiji with the match finishing 28-10 Melbourne's way.
Attention now turns to the all-important Round 1 fixture on Thursday week when the Knights kick-off their campaign against the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
1st min - The match kicked off with an official welcome from the Fijian locals ahead of the historic game.
Fiji welcomes the NRL
11th min - Melbourne opened the scoring with Jahrome Hughes finding Eliesa Katoa for the first points.
18th min - The Storm would have their second of the afternoon after a shift to their left had Xavier Coates diving over.
26th min - Newcastle hit back after working into some field position off the back of a couple of penalties.
Quick hands to the right gave Enari Tuala a free run to the try-line.
Tuala dives over
31st min - Jonah Pezet scored Melbourne's third running through under the posts.
38th min - On the stroke of half-time, Kalyn Ponga jumped into action to set up Bradman Best.
The fullback sped through the line before finding his centre in support to post the Knights second try.
KP and Bradman combine
40th min - The two teams went into the sheds with the score sitting at 18-10 in favor of Melbourne.
Coach Adam O'Brien made several changes to the line-up at half-time.
44th min - Melbourne extended their lead after the break when Young Tonumaipea scored in the corner.
61st min - Storm Captain Harry Grant scored for Melbourne from dummy-half.
66th min - Jacob Saifiti was sent to the sin-bin and placed on report for a late shot on Tui Kamikamica.
80th min - The match finished with the full-time result ending 28-10.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights will now shift their focus to a huge Round 1 showdown against the Canberra Raiders on Thursday 7 March.
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