The nib Newcastle Knights have claimed a 26-22 victory over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.
A stunning Kalyn Ponga try in golden point sealed a gutsy and determined Newcastle victory, having overcome a 16-point deficit at half-time.
With the result, the Knights won the Malcolm Reilly Trophy, dedicated to a legendary figure of both Clubs.
How it played out:
The match kicked off at the home of the Knights in front of 16,027 Members and supporters at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Manly had the share of possession in the opening exchanges and looked to have scored the opening try through Levi Hopoate, but the opposition fullback was ruled to have knocked on planting the ball down.
The away side would strike first blood following a line-break from Reuben Garrick led to a try to Tolutau Koula.
The Sea Eagles posted another two tries with Toafofoa Sipley and Haumole Olakau'atu proving too strong close to the line.
Heading into the sheds, the red and blue trailed 16-0.
The Knights were first to score after the break with Fletcher Sharpe posting his ninth try of the campaign.
Kai Pearce-Paul cut through the Manly defence before finding the man with the flying mullet backing up in support.
Newcastle were back to within four points when a flying Fletcher Hunt put his name forward for a try of the year contender.
The flying winger jumped over his opposite number to claim the ball and make his way to the line for his first in the NRL.
The Knights had all the momentum and soon drew level.
James Schiller planted the ball in the corner following a quick raid to the Knights right. Dane Gagai was waved away from the sideline.
Six minutes later, the Sea Eagles would re-take the lead when Tommy Talua went over under the posts.
With five minutes to play and continuing the trend of the game, the Knights never-say-die attitude paid off to set up a grandstand finish.
A brilliant offload from Kai Pearce-Paul led to a break from James Schiller, and the winger found Fletcher Sharpe on the spot for his second of the game.
Dane Gagai converted from the right of the posts to tie up the game at 22-all.
The fullt-time whistle sounded at the end of the 80 minutes, all square at 22-all.
The Knights had first use of the football in golden point and from the next set, the game was done.
A midfield kick from Kalyn Ponga went high into the air, and once again Fletcher Hunt showed his aerial prowess to bat the ball back, straight into the hands of Captain Kalyn.
Cue scenes of jubilation in the Knights ranks as the red and blue came away with a four-point victory.
What's next:
The Knights will have a longer turnaround before taking on the Sydney Roosters back at home on Saturday June 14.
