The Cronulla Sharks have gone down to the Newcastle Knights 26-10 in today’s NYC clash at Hunter Stadium.
The home side opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Jake McNamara scored just left of the uprights at the southern end of the ground.
He converted his own try to take the score to 6-0.
Continuing to show strength in attack, the Knights crossed the line again this time through winger Dean Kouka-Smith who rose above the pack to score off a high kick.
The kick was unsuccessful and the score remained 10-0.
With both sides sharing the possession, it looked as though we would go into the break with the same 10-0 score line however the Knights extended their lead after utility Jayden Butterfield burrowed over close to the line.
McNamara added the extras and the home side lead 16-0 at the break.
Bouyed by a stern speech from coach John Morris, the Sharks were first to strike in the second half with Will Kennedy gliding over on the left edge.
Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga was unable to add the extras and the score remained 16-4.
The Shars continued to press the home team in attack and hit back in quick succession, this time through Lachlan Stein on the right edge.
Aufaga-Toomaga added the extras and the score went to 16-10.
From here, it was one-way traffic with the home side getting the rub of the green and taking advantage of their opportunities.
With the Sharks looking to attack in midfield, Davies spilled a pass from Brailey and Butterfield pounced on the loose ball, showing a clean pair of heels to raise away and score next to the uprights.
McNamara added the extras and the Knights led 22-10.
The Knights went in again shortly after as back rower Sam Stone crashed over off a short ball.
McNamara’s conversion was unsuccessful and the score remained 26-0.
The Novocastrian’s continued to pepper the Sharks line and the pressure eventually resulted in points with the Knights crossing the chalk through Kouka-Smith in the right corner.
McNamara’s conversion was again successful and the score would remain 30-10 until the fulltime whistle.
Knights 30 def. Sharks 10 (Kennedy, Stein tries; Aufuga-Toomaga ½ cons)
