A four-try haul to winger Fletcher Sharpe helped the Knights post a 34-18 win against the Wests Tigers in front of their home crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium.
While Sharpe's performance was a standout as the Knights ran away with the game, it was a seesawing battle in the first half with the two teams trading tries for the opening exchanges, with the home side heading into the break leading 22-12 with Sharpe already securing his hat-trick.
Centre Krystian Mapapalangi, who was called in as starting centre in place of Dylan Lucas, who dropped out of the squad with a hamstring injury, scored his first try of his career to extend the lead for the Knights, before Wests Tigers clawed back the deficient with Jahream Bula showcasing his still for his side's third try.
However, Sharpe's fourth try, set up by a line break from veteran centre Dane Gagai snuffed out the chances of a comeback after Kalyn Ponga's fifth successful conversion pushed them to a 34-18 lead.
Playing halfback for the second time this season, Phoenix Crossland set up a try and had two tackles breaks in his 110 run metres, while four Knights forwards ran for more than 100 metres.
The Tigers put in another spirited effort, but could not add the polish, with their cause also hampered by the loss of halfback Aidan Sezer midway through the second half with a suspected knee injury.
In next week's games, the Knights will head to PointsBet Stadium on Sunday to take on the Sharks, while Wests Tigers are at home at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday to face the Rabbitohs.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 23 -
home Team
Knights
10th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
17th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match Snapshot
- Fletcher Sharpe scored his first career hat-trick for the Knights before halftime. He scored another try after the break to nab four for the game.
- At the break, the Knights were ahead on the scoreboard 22-12, but were behind in possession with 47 percent in the first half compared to 53. The home side had completed 14/17 while the Tigers had completed 18/19.
- Tigers halfback Aidan Sezer left the field halfway through the second half with suspected knee injury. He required three points for 500 NRL points and achieved the milestone with three conversions.
- The Knights have won their past six games against the Tigers.
- Newcastle have now won three of their past seven games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Wests Tigers have conceded 40 points or more in five of their past six games, but were able to hold the Knights to 34.
Play of the Game
Fletcher Sharpe 4th Try
What They Said
Knights
Knights: Round 23
Wests Tigers
Wests Tigers: Round 23
