The Newcastle Knights opened the 2014 season with four wins from five matches over the weekend.
Unfortunately, the Knights’ only loss came in the NRL following a 30-8 defeat at the hands of the Penrith Panthers on Saturday.
Adding to the round one loss, key players Darius Boyd (hamstring), Kurt Gidley (concussion) and Tyrone Roberts (concussion) were injured.
Boyd had scans on Sunday and his results are expected through on Monday afternoon. For Gidley and Roberts, they had recovered well and will go through concussion protocols over the next few days.
On a positive note, the players’ showed huge courage under extremely difficult circumstances with only one fit player on the bench in the second half.
The Knights’ NSW Cup side fared much better, charging to an impressive 24-14 over Penrith.
New recruit Matt Minto starred at halfback for the Club in his first official match, while winger Chanel Mata'utia snared a hat-trick in the triumph.
The Club's NYC side also made a winning start to the season with an upset 34-22 win over last year's premiers Penrith.
Fullback Jake Mamo scored a hat-trick and was strong in his return match after his first full pre-season with the NRL squad. Mamo was well supported by new halfback Jaelen Feeney, who starred with his running and kicking game.
In the junior ranks, the Knights' SG Ball and Harold Matthews outfits both recorded strong wins over St George on Saturday.
The SG Ball defeated the Dragons 40-26, while the Harold Matthews won 52-12.
Fullback Matt Cooper scored six tries in the Knights' big win the Harold Matthews.
The Knights' now turn their attention to round 2 action against the Canberra Raiders at Hunter Stadium this Sunday in the NRL and NYC, while the NSW Cup side will take on Raiders' feeder side Mounties.
Gates open at 1.45pm. NYC kick off at 2pm, NSW Cup at 4.15pm before the main game at 6.30pm.
Newcastle's SG Ball and Harold Matthews outfits play the Bulldogs in round 5 action on Saturday.
RESULTS:
NRL
Newcastle Knights 8 (T: Scott, G: Gidley 1/1, P: Roberts 1/1)
Penrith Panthers 30 (T: Mansour 2, Taylor, Docker, Latimore, G: Soward 1/1, Wallace 4/4)
NSW Cup
Newcastle Knights 24 (T: C Mata’utia 3, P Mata’utia, Mantellato, G: Mantellato 2/5)
Penrith Panthers 14 (T: Smith, Aiono, Eisenhuth, G: Smith 1/3)
NYC
Newcastle Knights 34 (T: Mamo 3, Yates, Gagai, G: Donovan 5/5, P: Donovan 2/2)
Penrith Panthers 22 (T: Silipa, Katoa, Smith, G: Haika 3/3)
SG BALL
Newcastle Knights 40 (T: B.Robson 2, Z.Leonard 2, J.Cogger, S.Apthorpe, R.Glanville, R.Milgate, B.Lamb 6 goals) d St George 26
HAROLD MATTHEWS
Newcastle Knights 52 (T: M.Cooper 6, B.Jones 2, S.McIntyre, B.O’Hagan 8 goals) d St George 12
