The Knights once again beat a top eight contender as they down the Warriors by 6 point.
First it was the Roosters, then Melbourne and now the Warriors. Newcastle finishing the year strongly.
New Zealand’s top eight hopes dealt a blow given that they now host the Roosters next week in a must win game.
Great finishing from the wingers today with Mata’utia, Fusitua and Vatuvei all chipping in with some great finishes.
FINAL SCORE:
Knights 28
Warriors 22
A real danger game for the New Zealand Warriors awaits them today as they face a Newcastle Knights side coming off a superb win over Melbourne last week. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm (AEST).
The Warriors are clinging on to a place inside the top eight and need to continue winning to keep their finals destiny in their own hands.
Newcastle however will be no pushovers today. The Knights have produced some truly remarkable performances at home in recent weeks and are every chance of securing a third straight win at home.
Despite being well out of finals contention, the Knights have managed to upset premiership contenders Melbourne and Sydney in recent weeks courtesy of a never say die attitude.
Such attitude came to the fore against the Storm. The Knights scored two tries with barely two minutes remaining in the match to secure a remarkable 32-30 victory.
The Warriors meanwhile are coming off back to back victories over the Raiders and Sharks. These wins however don’t reveal too much about New Zealand’s premiership credentials given that both these sides are down the wrong end of the ladder.
Although New Zealand do start favourites today, expect this contest to be closely contested affair. The Warriors are yet to convince away from home and are certainly prone to losing their way on the road.
The potential return of Shaun Johnson to the Warriors line-up will be crucial. If he plays, the Warriors certainly have enough points in them to win this afternoon provided he plays the percentages well.
All in all the Warriors simply have to show respect to Newcastle this afternoon. If they turn up ready to play, New Zealand should secure another valuable two points.
Warriors by 8.
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If you are following the action live be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Bluebag
Guest
Is Sam Tomkins the new Chris Thorman?
Alan
Roar Guru
The Knights once again beat another top eight contender as they down the Warriors by 6 here! First it was the Roosters, then Melbourne and now the Warriors. Newcastle finishing the year strongly. New Zealand's top eight hopes dealt a blow given that they now host the Roosters next week in a must win game perhaps. Great finishing from the wingers today with Mata'utia, Fusitua and Vatuvei all chipping in with some great finishes. Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Johnson is through but he is caught! FULLTIME Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Knights on the attack and keen to just run down the clock. Another great victory coming up for them. Warriors need a miracle. Poor set Newcastle and the Warriors get the turnover with seconds remaining... Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Tomkins knocks the footy on!!!!! That should be the game!!!! Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Leilua with a crucial intercept to save a try! Knights working it out of their own half! Mullen with the kick. Vatuvei takes the footy Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Great finish coming up! Warriors down by six. Knights now the team desperate to hang on! They ran down Melbourne last week! Can the Warriors do the same to Newcastle? Tomkins now is away!!!!! Townsend cut down by Roberts!!!!! Warriors on the attack!!!! Pass intercepted!!!!!!!! Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Vatuvei, Mata'utia and Fusitua have offered a clinic in finishing! CONVERSION MISSED Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Ball went up and it was tapped back. Tomkins found Vatuvei who does his best to ground the footy and he has!!!!! Superb!!!! TRY WARRIORS Knights 28 Warriors 22
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Do or die now. Warriors must score! Johnson goes high. Tomkins now finds Vatuvei who scores perhaps! Video referee Knights 28 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Tomkins with the short drop-out and the Warriors back with the footy! Knights 28 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Stupid stupid play from Mateo to take out Roberts for no reason!!!! Stupid play.... PENALTY SUCCESSFUL Knights 28 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Knights on the attack. Another win well within their grasp. Knights get the penalty... Knights 26 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Warriors still behind by 8. Time becoming an enemy. Johnson is through almost. Pass goes down however and the Knights off the hook Knights 26 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
Knights gave Fusitua too much space down the right and the young winger makes no mistake and scores a crucial try! CONVERSION MISSED Knights 26 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Biggest set of the match for the Warriors. Need to score here. Fusitua scores in the corner yet again! TRY WARRIORS Knights 26 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Matagi just short of the line! Tomkins with the grubber and the Knights concede the drop-out. Knights defence very good. Knights 26 Warriors 14
Alan
Roar Guru
Just over 12,000 in today. The Warriors kick short and regather the footy and are on the attack! Knights 26 Warriors 14
Alan
Roar Guru
Good cut out ball from Mullen to Gagai who found himself in huge space before finding Mata'utia to his right who scores in the corner! Warriors are gone surely....once again their away form costing them. CONVERSION MISSED Knights 26 Warriors 14
Alan
Roar Guru
65' - Warriors top eight hopes taking a hit here. Need a big last 15 minutes to rescue this game. Knights continue to prove themselves a nuisance at home. Gagai now in space and he gets the ball away to Mata'utia who scores!!! TRY KNIGHTS Knights 26 Warriors 14