LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
bulldogs.com.au is reporting that the Newcastle Knights have taken a significant step towards securing their place in the Telstra Premiership finals with a dominant 42-6 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Knights were in control from the start, scoring five tries to take a commanding 30-0 lead.
Props Leo Thompson and Jack Hetherington continued the onslaught in the second half, contributing to the Knights' record-breaking 108 points in their two games against the Bulldogs this season.
The Bulldogs had a disastrous afternoon, finding themselves down to 11 men at one point due to sin-binnings.
Jacob Preston was sin-binned for a hip-drop tackle, while Blake Wilson received the same punishment for a professional foul.
The Knights took advantage of the Bulldogs' numerical disadvantage and capitalized on their opportunities.
The only downside for the Knights was the injury to their halfback Jackson Hastings, who was forced off the field with an ankle injury following a tackle from Preston.
Despite this setback, the Knights were able to secure their sixth consecutive victory, their best winning streak since 2019.
The Knights wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, with Dane Gagai and Tyson Gamble easily breaking through the Bulldogs' defense for an early 12-0 lead.
A penalty goal from Kalyn Ponga, following Wilson's sin-binning, extended the Knights' advantage.
Adam Elliott's impressive lead-up work set up Leo Thompson for a potential try, but he was held back during the play.
Overall, it was a dominant performance from the Newcastle Knights, who have strengthened their position in the Telstra Premiership finals race with their comprehensive victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.