The nib Newcastle Knights have won their first home match of the 2025 season with a 26-12 victory over the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The red and blue's attack was on fire in the first 40 minutes with James Schiller scoring his first in the colours while Captain Kalyn Ponga had a hand in three more tries.
Following on from Round 1's opening win, the Knights recorded their second consecutive result ahead of an away trip to face the Gold Coast Titans.
How it played out:
1st min: The match kicked off in front of just over 18,000 Members and supporters at McDonald Jones Stadium and from the first hit-up, fans were treated to a spectacle.
Former Knight Daniel Saifiti ran straight at his twin brother Jacob setting the tone for the match.
Saifiti's collide
10th min: The Knights opened their account in the 10th minute when James Schiller bagged his first try in the red and blue.
A line break from Bradman Best set up a play to the right with the ball making its way to Schiller on the wing to open the scoring.
Schiller scores his first in red and blue
13th min: The Dolphins looked to have responded through a try to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, but the play was brought back for an obstruction in the lead-up.
On the next set of six, Schiller would have his second to put the Knights further in front.
Jack Cogger and Kalyn Ponga hit the short side, with the fullback finding the winger in the corner.
Schiller has two on home debut
19th min: Best would prove too strong on his way to the try-line for his first four-pointer of the season to extend the Knights out to a healthy 14-0 lead.
Best too strong
27th min: The Knights attack was in full flow in the opening stages with Ponga picking up his third try-assist in succession.
This time, Dane Gagai the beneficiary to put the Knights out to a 20-point lead.
Gagai goes over
33rd min: The Dolphins would bridge the margin to 14 when prop Mark Nicholls scored under the posts.
40th min: The Knights would head into half-time ahead 20-6.
44th min: The red and blue picked up where they left off in the first half as Fletcher Sharpe and Dylan Lucas combined for the side's fifth try of the night.
Following a midfield break from Adam Elliott, Sharpe jumped into action and broke through a tackle to offload to a barnstorming Lucas in support.
Lucas on the spot
66th min: Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa scored the away side's second to make the score 26-12.
68th min: The Knights were reduced to 12 when Kai Pearce-Paul was sent to the sin-bin for a shoulder charge on Daniel Saifiti.
80th min: The Knights withstood the Dolphins attack to hold onto their advantage and claim the two points.
Knights show no let-up in defence
What's next:
The Knights will travel up north to tackle the Gold Coast Titans next round on Saturday at Cubs Super Stadium.
