Match Summary
The Newcastle Knights have continued their perfect start to the season, defeating the Warriors 32-22 at McDonald Jones Stadium. A scrappy first half saw both sides complete with 13 errors apiece, but the Knights took control after the break, overpowering last year’s The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup premiers to seal the win.
After some pressure early on, the Warriors were first to strike. A quick play-the-ball just a metre out from the try-line allowed hooker Makaia Tafua to capitalise, darting out of dummy-half to crash over. Jett Cleary added the extras to give the Warriors an early 6-0 lead.
The Knights responded soon after, with centre Wilson De Courcey showcasing a “never give up” attitude to both create and finish a try. A clever grubber into the in-goal saw De Courcey chase through and ground the ball just before the dead ball line. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the Warriors narrowly ahead at 6-4.
Moments later, quick thinking from Warriors halfback Cleary produced points again. A perfectly timed cut-out pass found winger Haizyn Mellars unmarked, allowing him to stroll over and extend the lead to six points.
The Knights hit back following a penalty that handed them valuable field position. Halfback Matthew Hunter drifted across the field before linking with centre Kyle McCarthy, who ran a superb line to slice through the defence and score. Hunter converted to level the scores at 10-all.
De Courcey grabbed his second try just before halftime, stepping past two defenders in one motion to cross the line. With Hunter converting, the Knights took a 16-10 lead into the break.
Newcastle carried that momentum into the second half. A well-placed kick from Mitch Henderson saw McCarthy leap above the pack and tap the ball back for Tamakaimoana Whareaorere, who was perfectly positioned to collect and dive over. Hunter’s conversion extended the lead to 22-10.
The Warriors fought back, with Cleary and Mellars combining once again down the wing. Another precise pass from Cleary put Mellars over for his second. Shortly after, debutant Bishop Neal soared to claim a cross-field kick and grounded the ball for a try. Two successful conversions brought the scores level at 22-all.
However, the Knights finished strongly to seal the result. A last-tackle grubber deflected off a Warriors defender and fell kindly for fullback Logan Aoake, who crossed for the go-ahead try. Soon after, winger Siteni Taukamo put the result beyond doubt, finishing off a slick left-edge movement with perfect timing.
The Knights ran out 32-22 winners after an entertaining contest.
Talking Points
Two debutants featured in this afternoon’s clash, with Knights utility Diesel Hagan and Warriors second-rower Bishop Neal both making strong impressions. Neal marked his debut with an impressive try.
Logan Aoake delivered an outstanding performance in his first appearance at fullback in the NSW Cup, stepping up in the absence of leading points scorer Connor Votano, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Warriors suffered a number of late injury concerns, with Makaia Tafua assisted from the field, while Jett Cleary and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana both left the field in the final minute of the match.
Key Moment
With the scores locked at 22-all midway through the second half, the match was there for either side to take. It was Newcastle who seized the moment, with a last-tackle grubber causing chaos in the Warriors’ defensive line before bouncing kindly for Logan Aoake, who grounded the ball to give the Knights the lead. The try shifted momentum decisively, and the Knights capitalised soon after to secure the result.
What’s Next?
The Knights will look to continue their strong start to the 2026 season when they face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Belmore. Meanwhile, the Warriors return home to Auckland, where they will host the Western Suburbs Magpies.
