The Intrust Super Premiership Newcastle Knights lost 28-12 to the North Sydney Bears at Kurri Kurri Sportsground on Sunday afternoon.
Hooker Danny Levi was a late omission for the Knights with a back injury, Krys Freeman moving into the starting side and Kurt Aldridge coming onto the bench.
The red and blues dominated the first half with Jake Mamo grabbing a try and Ken Tofilau securing two four-pointers.
With none of the tries successfully converted the score was 12-0 at half-time, and 25 minutes into the second half the Bears struck back with a try to Bernard Gregorious.
Seven minutes from time North Sydney were at it again, fullback Michael Oldfield scoring and Eli Levido converting to lock the points at 12 apiece.
Soon after Oldfield was over the line for his second. Levido converted, then moments later skipper Ed Murphy scored two rapid-fire tries to push the final score to 28-12.
SQUAD
1. Jake Mamo, 2. Ken Tofilau, 3. Jacob Gagai, 4. Bryce Donovan, 5. Fuiamamao Uta, 6. Danny Kerr, 7. Will Pearsall, 8. Josh King, 14. Krys Freeman, 10. Tama Koopu, 11. Bradie Smith, 12. Tekina Vailea, 13. Luke Yaes. Interchange: 15. Brett Jarrett, 16. Michael Steele, 17. Uiti Baker, 19. Kurt Aldridge.
