LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a dominating display of prowess, the Knights unleashed a flurry of five tries within the first half-hour of the match, propelling them to a resounding 34-6 victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday arvo.
The Newcastle squad seemed to be in perfect sync, racing against the clock to rack up points in the initial 15 minutes and establishing a commanding 26-0 lead by halftime.
While Coach Ben Jeffries was surely pleased with his team's explosive start, their failure to maintain the intensity post-halftime would have left a bitter taste.
The Knights now face an anxious wait to determine the severity of ankle injuries sustained by Captain Hannah Southwell and playmaker Georgia Roche, sidelining them in the first half.
Winger Sheridan Gallagher wreaked havoc on the Wests Tigers' left side, managing to snag a brace of tries in the first half.
Despite her impressive performance, Gallagher could have easily added more points to the scoreboard if not for a few missed opportunities due to officiating decisions and errors.
With the weight of a 12-game losing streak hanging over their heads, the Wests Tigers suffered a disastrous start when Tess Staines threw a stray pass in the in-goal area, gifting a simple try to Southwell.
The tide of fortune continued to favor the Knights as the loyal fans at McDonald Jones Stadium revelled in the team's commanding performance.
Overall, the Knights' relentless attack and stout defense left the Wests Tigers reeling, highlighting the disparity between the two sides on the day.
As the dust settles on this match, both teams will be looking to regroup and refocus for their next encounters, aiming to build on their strengths and address areas of improvement in true Rugby League fashion.