The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup returned to Redfern Oval for a Round 19 clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights. The Knights proved too strong, running out 24-16 winners to continue their impressive season.
The Rabbitohs drew first blood when clever work from dummy half Peter Mamouzelos created a hole for fullback Logan Dickson to crash over and open the scoring. Jonah Glover converted to give the Rabbitohs a four-point advantage, but the Knights hit back with slick ball movement down the right edge, putting winger Wilson De Courcey over in the corner. Connor Votano was unable to convert, leaving the Knights trailing 6-4.
Franklin Pele was next to crash over for the home side to further their lead. A driving run from close range saw him power through the defence to score under the posts as the Rabbitohs lead 12-4.
The momentum quickly swung in Newcastle's favour when halfback Matthew Hunter showed great awareness and footwork to beat two defenders and score. The conversion reduced the deficit and set the platform for a decisive back-to-back try burst for the halfback, as Hunter turned provider just minutes later. Hunter found back rower Francis Manuleleua with a pin-point short-side pass that saw him speed his way up the left edge before sending a pass back into Hunter to finish the job he started as the Knights led 14-12.
South Sydney found themselves back in the lead when halfback Matthew Humphries produced a well-weighted grubber kick that Alan Holten pounced on to score his first try in a Rabbitohs jersey. A missed conversion left the margin at 16-14.
The Knights refused to be rattled. A short pass from five eighth Tyson Gamble put Manuleleua thorough a gap that saw him run all the way down to the four-point line to hand his side a four-point lead heading into the final quarter of the match.
An inventive shift play ended up being the play of the day, with a shift out to the right saw Toby Winner in space to produce a grubber that Votano regathered to score and push the lead out to 24-16.
Despite the Rabbitohs' best efforts in the final 10 minutes, they could not find the try-line. A strong Knights defence repelled every raid to seal a comprehensive victory.
Talking Points
- Matthew Hunter was the game-breaker for Newcastle, scoring two tries and consistently threatening the Rabbitohs' defence with his left-foot kick game and sharp decision-making.
- Franklin Pele made an enormous impact for South Sydney with a powerful close-range try and strong carries with the ball.
- The Rabbitohs suffered with their pass accuracy throughout, with several opportunities going begging due to poor execution when it mattered most.
Key Moment
Still with plenty of time on the clock, the Knights were holding onto a four-point lead following a try from Manuleleua. It was play that went through a number of hands that saw the ball make its way out to the right wing, stumbling the Rabbitohs defence. Toby Winter found himself running towards the wing, face to face with the Rabbitohs last line of defence, as he placed a grubber kick that saw Votano chasing through to score the match winner for the Knights.
What's Next?
The Newcastle Knights remain firmly in the top two as they prepare for another away game against the Newtown Jets next Saturday. The Rabbitohs will be desperately hunting to return to the winner’s circle as they road trip down to the Nation’s Capital to face the Canberra Raiders.
