The nib Newcastle Knights have been defeated by the North Queensland Cowboys, going down 38-4 in a disappointing afternoon in Townsville.
Played in pristine Sunday afternoon conditions, the Knights struggled to gain a foothold in a contest that was mostly controlled by the home side from the outset.
Just minutes into the game, Scott Drinkwater crossed off a neat inside ball, opening the scoring and immediately putting the Knights on the back foot.
The Knights fought back and had their opportunities throughout the first half.
Jacob Saifiti was millimetres from scoring on two occasions, with the first resulting in Reece Robson being sin binned for tackling Saifiti before he caught the ball.
The second seemed a try for all money until Drinkwater pulled off an unbelievable trysaver, dislodging the ball from Saifiti's hands as he went over the line.
Debutant Connor Votano, who became Knight #363, also went close after Jack Cogger broke the line.
Not long after, Tom Dearden managed to extend the home side's lead after a mix up at the back saw him cross close to untouched.
As half time approached, Braidon Burns then swooped on a loose pass to run the length of the field and give the Cowboys a 20-0 half time lead.
Second half tries to Drinkwater, Jeremiah Nanai and Jaxon Purdue sealed the result, with a consolation effort to Dom Young the only troubling of the scorers from the Knights.
What's next:
The Knights will next face the Broncos in their final home game of the season, with the round doubling as Old Boys Day with both the NRL and NRLW teams in action.
Tickets for that game can be purchased by clicking here.
