The nib Newcastle Knights have defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 30-10 on home soil in Round 5 of the 2024 NRL competition.
Braving wet and wild conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night and in front of a brave contingent of 9,884 Members and supporters, the red and blue shut out the Dragons in the second half to record the two points.
The Knights retained the Alex McKinnon Cup with the five tries to two result, earning their second win in succession on the home track.
The boys will be back at home next Thursday taking on rivals, the Sydney Roosters. Take your seat here.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
1st min - The match kicked off in torrential rain and windy conditions in Newcastle.
4th min - The Knights were on the board first when halfback Jackson Hastings crossed the stripe for his second of the campaign.
After a kick close to the line from Jack Cogger, the ball bounced up fortuitously for the No.7.
Hastings opens the scoring
13th min - The Dragons posted a four-pointer nine minutes later with winger Zac Lomax scoring in the corner.
A kick in-behind from Ben Hunt sat up for the Dragons outside-back to score the away side's first.
21st min - St George Illawarra took the lead after Ben Hunt pounced for their second of the night.
Lomax was heading towards the sideline, before flicking the ball inside to Hunt.
24th min - Enari Tuala hit back for the Knights following smart work from Kalyn Ponga.
A cut-out pass from the fullback found the winger unmarked to give the Knights back the lead.
Tuala goes over
29th min - The Knights extended their lead when Daniel Saifiti pounced on the ball in the in-goal.
D-Saf used the conditions to his advantage to slide into the in goal and plant the ball off a kick.
Saifiti slides over
34th min - Dylan Lucas couldn't be stopped to bolster Newcastle's advantage.
The forward pushed through multiple Dragons defenders to slam the ball down.
Lucas slams it down
40th min - The Knights went into the sheds ahead 24-10.
75th min - Kalyn Ponga sealed the win for Newcastle securing the ball over the in-goal for the Knights fifth of the night.
KP with a brilliant pick up
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights will take on the Sydney Roosters in a blockbuster battle next Thursday night at McDonald Jones Stadium. Play your part.
