The nib Newcastle Knights have suffered their first defeat of the 2025 campaign, falling 26-6 to the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
Played in muggy conditions north of the border, the Knights were unable to cash in on a strong opening 15 minutes, with the Titans taking full advantage of their opportunities to lower the Knights' colours for the first time this year.
The Knights will now reset with a bye before a Multicultural Round clash with the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
How it played out:
17th min - After a pulsating opening 15 minutes, it was the Titans who managed to open the scoring, very much against the run of play. Classy offloads from Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jayden Campbell saw Keano Kini race into the back-field, who found Jojo Fifita for the first points of the night.
32nd min - As the grind continued in muggy conditions, the Titans snatched the ascendency after surviving the early Knights onslaught. Campbell extended the home side's lead with a solo try, taking the score to 10-0.
40th min - A Campbell penalty goal extended the Titans lead to 12 points in the shadows of half time, leaving the Knights with plenty to do after the break.
47th min - Another Campbell penalty goal extended his side's lead beyond two converted tries.
56th min - Repeat sets again came to cruel the visitors, with Beau Fermor scoring to take the lead to 20 points.
80th min - A try to David Fifita and a late consolation effort from Bradman Best saw the clash finish with a 26-6 scoreline.
