The Knights marched on, while the NYC Sharks will head home with plenty of work to do after the Newcastle side inflicted a 56-10 beating on the Cronulla 20’s at Hunter Stadium.
The Sharks came into the contest with two wins and a close loss from their first three games but were never really in the contest against the undefeated Knights.
Behind 24-0 before they were able to post points, the Sharks first try came through Taylar Garrett in the 30th minute of the game, with two more tries to the Newcastle side before the break sending the teams to half time with the home side leading 36-4, leaving the Sharks with virtually only respectability to play for in the second period.
After the Knights added to their lead early in the second period the Sharks managed to control possession for the first time in the match and were rewarded with a solo try to Fa’amanu Brown near to the uprights.
One of the NYC Sharks form players in the early part of the season Brown darted and weaved in a determined run from close range to plant the ball down for his teams second and what would prove to be last try of the match.
Valentine Holmes converted and the Sharks trailed 42-10.
From that point the match deteriorated, with neither side able to hold the football or mount pressure for any sustained periods.
Rather than the Sharks climbing back into the game late it was Newcastle to push home their advantage, three more tries running the score out to a comprehensive 56-10 victory.
In a loss of that magnitude it would be hard to single out any players for special mention, with Sharks coach Dave Howlett sure to put plenty of work into his teams defense during the next week of training.
The NYC Sharks will attempt to regroup ahead of their next match, which will be another difficult challenge against the New Zealand Warriors.
The Sharks now have two wins and two losses from their first four games, with the Newcastle 20’s four-from-four in a perfect start to their season.
SHARKS 10
Taylar Garrett, Fa’amanu Brown tries, Valentine Holmes goal
Lost to
NEWCASTLE 56
