Scoreline: Knights 24-26 Cowboys
What a crazy game of footy. The Cowboys deserved their win but boy they nearly let the victory slip after producing some poor errors in attack particularly late in the contest. Uate and Leilua came up with great individual efforts to keep Newcastle in the game but the Cowboys on the back of sharp attack from Thompson, Morgan, Coote and Thurston got them home again. Five in a row for the Cowboys. Knights with four straight defeats.
The Newcastle Knights have lost three straight matches and now face a tough ask hosting the in-form North Queensland Cowboys. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm (AEST).
Newcastle started season 2015 in stellar form, winning their first four matches on the trot.
Arguably their best win of the season came in Round 2, when they defeated the Cowboys in Townsville after trailing 14-nil early in the contest.
Fast forward to the present however and it’s the Cowboys riding high after four straight victories which has seen them rescue a season that was spiralling out of control after three rounds.
North Queensland now stand alongside the Dragons and the Storm as the NRL’s in-form teams.
After a poor start to the season, the Cowboys are playing like a team destined to achieve big things come September.
On confidence alone, the Cowboys start big favourites this afternoon.
Newcastle have lost touch with their best form as evidenced by last week’s defeat to the Eels. Leading 12-nil early in the game, the Knights let Parramatta back into the contest and were eventually well beaten, despite dominating the penalty count.
The Knights have to get back to basics if they are to upset the Cowboys. They need to play direct and turn this contest into an arm wrestle. Halves Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts need to kick long and play for territory before taking risks.
If Newcastle can show up with the intensity that allowed them to defeat North Queensland back in Round 2, then they are a chance of causing the upset.
Anything less though and the Cowboys may put on a score this afternoon, particularly if Johnathan Thurston continues his rich vein of form.
Cowboys by 10.
Dav
Guest
kurt had an off game, happens to the best of them, he will come good for you...
The eye
Guest
Pretty much nailed it Glen..Jake Mamo is a better option than Gidley and Matautiai should be in Mcmanus' place
Glen
Roar Rookie
As much as Kurt Gidley has given his all to this club (and yes he WAS a great player before all the Anti-Gidley crew jump on) and will be remembered as one of Newcastles better players, as long as he is in the run on team the Knights will not make the finals. He makes too many errors, doesnt pass the ball enough (he is like a kid in primary school that just hogs the ball all to himself). I dont know whether Rick Stone has any control over the team because any coach worth his salt could understand that Kurt is not in the best 13 for Newcastle. If rumours are to be believed Kurt should leave the club now and go to England. I was talking to a friend about Newcastles best back 5 and i think (just from watching his consistent effort) Jake Mamo should be Newcastles fullback with Sione on one of the wings. Im not sure which winger to get rid of, Mcmanus looks a little past it (maybe injuries) and Akuila does not have the same defence bending running he used to have. Maybe get rid of both wingers and have both matutias on the wings. Dane Gagai is one of the best ATTACKING centres in the game but his defence is useless and Joey Leilua... Joey is either the BEST centre in the game making ridiculous runs where no one can tackle him.. or he is the WORST centre in the game making stupid errors and doing nothing the entire game. If he can get some consistency he would easily be a NSW centre. I might as well continue.. Tyrone Roberts has not had a great year, defenders have mostly worked him out and he is a turnstile in defence. Someone give me something about Mullen.. i cant even think what to write about him..
Scott Pryde
Expert
Good call Alan, Go the Dragons.
Alan
Roar Guru
What a crazy game of footy. The Cowboys deserved their win but boy they nearly let the victory slip after producing some poor errors in attack particularly late in the contest. Uate and Leilua came up with great individual efforts to keep Newcastle in the game but the Cowboys on the back of sharp attack from Thompson, Morgan, Coote and Thurston got them home again. Five in a row for the Cowboys. Knights with four straight defeats. Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Cowboys barely holding on here. Five seconds remaining. Penalty Knights. Ref missed a Snowden knock on! Last play of the game right here! Knock on cold!!!! FULLTIME Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Knights with seconds remaining to steal a win here. Cowboys nervous. They have had their chances but nerves have got the better of them over the last few minutes. Snowden knocked that footy on!!!!!!!!!Six to go Newcastle!!! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Gidley has not had the best of games tonight. Two very crucial errors at very bad times for the Knights. 79' - Cowboys with another chance to seal the deal. Thompson with a great run. Knights defending well. Thurston with a grubber and Sims gathers the footy well Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Still time for Newcastle. Another error from the Knights!!!!! Cowboys back with possession! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Cowboys with another golden opportunity! Knights holding on. Cowboys with shocking play in attack and the Knights defensive pressure forces the turnover. Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Honestly I think the Cowboys are running out of legs here..
Alan
Roar Guru
Stupid play from Morgan to force the offload!!!! Why!!!!! 76' - This game going down to the wire. Cowboys only have themselves to blame if they lose this. They had a great chance there to seal the deal but a cheap error gifts possession back to Newcastle. Leilua now knocks on!!!! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Cowboys need to take this chance. Match point. Error! Newcastle survive! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Roberts just kicked the footy directly into touch on tackle 4. Easy turnover for the Cowboys when they were under big pressure. Morgan causing trouble down the right. Kick put in and knock on by Mata'utia!!!!!! Cowboys with great chance to seal the deal! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Just over 15,000 in today. 74' - Cowboys have been opened up big time over the last few minutes and now are only clinging on to a narrow two point lead. Knights with all the momentum. Another upset well on the cards now. Roberts with a nothing kick there! Boy what was that for!!!! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
The Knights have scored back to back tries and are now within two points.Great comeback after being 14 points down just several minutes earlier!!!! Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 24 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Inside the last ten minutes and the Knights well in this despite the Cowboys being the better team. Defence has let them down on a few occasions. Roberts now is through and he finds Mata'utia who bumps off Thurston and scores!!!!!! TRY KNIGHTS Knights 22 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
First it was Sims with a strong charge. Then Leilua out of dummy-half just too strong and outmuscles two defenders to score a huge try. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 18 Cowboys 26
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Sims now with a great charge! Tariq that is. Knights on the attack. This looks more promising. Leilua charges over and scores! TRY KNIGHTS Knights 16 Cowboys 26