NSW Cup post win at Toyota Stadium

The Hunter Ports Newcastle Knights NSW Cup team have posted an 18-point win over the Illawarra Cutters at Toyota Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

A hat-trick to young centre Siuatonga Likiliki as well as a double from forward Evarn Tuimavave helped secure the Knights their fifth win of the season.

It was Likiliki that scored the first try of the game and Josh Mantellato converted to give the Knights the early 6-nil lead.

The Cutters hit back with a converted try of their own and after 16 minutes the scores were level at 6-all. The Cutters then took a 6-point lead when Jeremy Smith crossed with 12 minutes left in the half.

A great offload from Ethan Cook to Tuimavave just before half time gave him his first try of the game. At half time, it was 12-all.

It took the Knights 12 minutes into the second half to cross again. Likiliki scored his second try and Mantellato added the extras to give the Knights a 6-point lead.

Tuimavave followed suit; scoring his second and the Knights fourth try and the Knights extended their lead 24-12.

The Cutters answered back with 20 minutes left to play, reducing the Knights lead to 24-18.

Richie Fa'aoso put the Knights back in a comfortable position when he crossed with 6 minutes to play, before Likiliki added another try to his tally just before full time to give the Knights a 36-18 win.

The Knights bests were Robbie Rochow, Siuatonga Likiliki, Richie Fa'aoso, Adrian Davis and Josh Mantellato.

Willie Mason started the game in his first game for the Knights since signing with the Club this week and played approximately 30 minutes in each half.

"It was great to be back and playing," Mason said following the game.

"I really appreciate the opportunity I have been given by the Knights.

"It was great to be out there playing with some really talented young players."

Mason said it was up to others to judge his performance, that he was proud to be playing for the Knights and alongside his little brother Rodney.

Next week the Knights NSW Cup have a bye.