The NYC Newcastle knights were just pipped at the post by the Gold Coast titans at McDonald Jones stadium on Saturday afternoon, going down 44-40
While the Titans piled on 34 points to the Knights 6 in the first half, the red and blue fought back in the second stanza to produce a staggering 34 points.
But it wasn’t enough to contain the Titans.
It was all Gold Coast early with number 19 Jordan Birch over the line in the first two minutes, Ethan Roberts converting.
For the next 15 minutes, it was a scoring assault from the Titans.
Centre Daniel Brownbill notched up two tries with Roberts again converting, making it three from three, leading the Knights 18-0
That's before Titans winger Kody Parsons got on the board for his first points, again Roberts with the two.
The NYC Knights side got their first try 23 minutes in via Eddy Tuilotolava from the bench, Kainoa Gudgeon making the kick with the Titans leading 24-6.
The Titans didn’t wait too long to reply, this time AJ Brimson getting the four and Roberts continuing his superb kicking game with five from five.
Just before the half time siren, Parsons touches down for his second for the Titans, to lead the Knights 34-6.
After the break the Knights Under 20s got down to business.
Captain Tom Starling made a 40 metre dash downfield to set up a try for backrower Zac Hosking, Gudgeon with his second goal of the afternoon.
In the 51st minute, AJ Brimson got his second for the Titans but Roberts failed to convert to lead the Knights 38-12.
Prop Cameron King got in the action with a third try for the Knights, Gudgeon making the conversion at three from three.
With 20 minutes to go, Pasami Saulo was assisted from the ground after colliding with his teammate, before Jack Johns side steps his way to the line.
Soon after a try came from the Titans, Moeaki Fotoiaka crashing through before another conversion from Roberts.
Then the red and blue added to their tally, Matt Cooper with a 70 metre run to get the four before Kurtis Dark also contributed to the scoreline with a handy try.
With two minutes remaining on the clock, Gudgeon struck, crossing the line to put them within four.
He couldn't convert and the Knights couldn't find any more points in the seconds remaining, the final score 44-40.
SQUADS
Newcastle
1. Matt Cooper, 2. Mitch Andrews 3. Brayden Musgrove, 4. Heath Gibbs, 5. Kainoa Gudgeon, 6. Jack Johns, 7. Hayden Loughrey, 8. Viko Puliuvea, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Cameron King, 11. Zac Hosking, 12. Sam McIntyre, 13. Kurtis Dark. Interchange: 14. Dylan Clark, 15. Eddy Tuilotolava, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Will Davies.
Gold Coast
1. Tre Williams, 19. Jordan Birch, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Daniel Brownbill, 5. Kody Parsons, 6. Ethan Roberts, 7. Alexander Brimson, 8. Moeaki Fotuiaka, 9. Corey Manicaros, 10. Max King, 11. Kelepi Faukafa, 12. Apiata Noema, 13. Reihana Marsh. Interchange: 14. Bostyn Hakaraia, 15. Kobe Tararo, 17. Justin Fai, 21. Jake Sparey,
SUMMARY
40 (T: Tuilotolava, Hosking, Johns, King, Cooper, Dark, Gudgeon, G: Gudgeon 6/7)
Titans 44
SUMMARY
40 (T: Tuilotolava, Hosking, Johns, King, Cooper, Dark, Gudgeon, G: Gudgeon 6/7)
Titans 44
