NRL round-24: Knights upset Broncos
The Knights kept their play-off hopes alive with a win over the Broncos at home in Energy Stadium on Friday.
The Knights were able to get off to a strong start, which helped them continue on to victory. They were able to build up a 12-point first half lead, giving them the cushion they needed to finish off a 44-18 win, in what was an impressive offensive display from the Newcastle side.
Recap
The Knights struck first with a try from Kurt Gidley, who also kicked the conversion of the play, giving the home side a 6-0 lead before the 10 minute mark.
The Broncos were able to keep it interesting early with a try from Andrew McCullough, and a conversion from Corey Parker to tie the game up.
Josh Hoffman was also able to notch a try for the away team on the 21st minute, with Parker putting through another conversion to give the Broncos their only lead of the day.
The Knights responded quickly with Adam McDougall dashing across the whitewash in the 27th minute, and Gidley registering the conversion to tie the game up at 12. The tie did not last long however, as Cooper Vanu picked his way over the line just four minutes later, and Gidley knocked down another one from the tee to give the home side the six point advantage.
The Knights extended the lead to 24-12 heading into the second half, as Akuila Uate converted a try in the 36th minute, and Gidley added to his already impressive day with a fourth conversion.
After the break the Knights continued to control play, with Vanu sprinting over the line three times for tries, first in the 44th and 52nd minutes, and then adding another in the 61st minute to push the home team’s lead out to 38-12.
The Broncos would add another try in the 68th minute, courtesy of Israel Folau, with the conversion coming from Parker.
However, it was too little too late, as the Knights added another try for good measure, this time from Isaac De Gois in the 73rd minute, capping off an impressive late-season win.
The Knights were the better team all-around, getting an impressive performance from Vuna, who trotted over the line four times in the victory.
The Broncos however, could not seem to get their offence going for the second straight week, with Parker being forced to do a lot of the work, hitting three conversions and amassing 131 all-run-metres.
Analysis
The Knights refuse to go quietly as they continue to pressure for a play-off spot. With the Broncos currently in eighth position, the win was essential for the Newcastle side.
The Broncos meanwhile continue to struggle late in the season. With several team’s approaching them in the standings they will have to improve their game for the final two weeks.
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