Knights downed by Storm in hard fought encounter

A spirited nib Newcastle Knights outfit have been downed 32-14 by the Melbourne Storm in an absorbing contest in the Hunter.

In front of a healthy Saturday afternoon crowd of 21,017 at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Knights fought hard to lead at the half time break, before being run down by the Storm in a hard-fought contest.

How It Played Out:

Looking to rebound from a last-start loss to Canberra, the Knights shot out of the gates with some strong carries in the opening exchanges.

Despite dominating the early field position, it was ultimately the visitors who grabbed an early lead thanks to a Nick Meaney penalty goal.

The Knights responded just minutes later, with a neat backline shift seeing Dom Young race down the right hand touchline, with the Englishman chipping over the top of Meaney and somehow planting the ball down for the first try of the game.

Some gritty Knights defence managed to hold the Storm at bay throughout a see-sawing first half, and before long Young had two as the winger stormed over to give the red and blue an 8-2 lead.

The Knights continued to assert their dominance over the game, with Dane Gagai a constant threat after starting the game at fullback.

However, a late Storm surge saw Jahrome Hughes send Eli Katoa over for a crucial late try, cutting the Knights lead to just two points in the shadows of half time.

Unfortunately for the home side, the Storm started the second stanza much like they finished the first and soon had full control of the contest.

Surging into good field position, the visitors received a stroke of luck when a grubber kick cannoned off the upright, falling right into the grasp of Trent Loiero who sailed over the line untouched.

A try to Kane Bradley, again off a kick, soon followed to give the Storm a 16-8 lead with half an hour to play.

Second tries to Loiero, Katoa and Bradley extended the Melbourne lead, with a late consolation effort to Fletcher Hunt seeing the clash finish with a 32-14 scoreline.

What's Next:

The Knights will return to McDonald Jones Stadium next Sunday for the annual Voice for Mining Family Day, with both the NRL and NRLW sides in action against the Warriors.

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