Fans turn on Knights before biggest comeback victory in 18 years
Newcastle have gone from booed off at half-time to pulling off their biggest comeback victory in 18 years, after claiming a 26-22 golden-point win over Manly.
Booed by their own fans after their seventh scoreless first half of the season, the Knights came back to life after falling 16-0 down at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Dane Gagai turned back the clock, Fletcher Sharpe and Kai Pearce Paul were immense and Kalyn Ponga claimed the match-winner early in extra time.
The hosts' revival came despite Newcastle having the worst attack in the competition, and showing no signs of turning that around in the opening 40 minutes.
Knights great Andrew Johns labelled it 'hard to watch' in commentary, as Newcastle coughed up error after error and looked out of the contest.
But the match swung dramatically early in the second half, as the Knights began to shift the ball more and caught Manly out on their makeshift edges.
With Lehi Hopoate concussed early and Tommy Talau also spending time off for a HIA, Newcastle got at a Sea Eagles side that had second-rowers Ben Trbojevic and Corey Waddell in the centres.
The home side went from 16-0 down to 16-16 in the space of 18 second-half minutes, with two of the tries coming from long distance and another a Jack Cogger bomb.
Manly appeared to have control of the game back when Clayton Faulalo burst through the middle of the field and fellow winger Tommy Talau crossed next play.
But Newcastle levelled the scores with five minutes to play when Pearce Paul found space on the right edge and Sharpe had his second.
Ponga then had the match winner in the Knights' first set of golden point when he put up a bomb, Fletcher Hunt batted it back and the Knights No.1 followed the play to score.
The win will at least alleviate pressure on under-fire coach Adam O'Brien, after his side had dropped eight of their past 10 games.
Manly had earlier looked like they were going to cruise home in the first half, with their forwards dominating and makeshift fullback Tolu Koula causing havoc.
Haumole Olakau'atu was again powerful in the first half, brushing off three defenders to score one try on the play after Koula had beaten five.
Toff Sipley also scored through the middle after Koula had Manly's first, with Newcastle's forward pack weakened by a concussion to Tyson Frizell.
But after the second-half collapse, the Sea Eagles' halves missed a chance to win the match in the final minute of regulation time.
With Daly Cherry-Evans set up for the field-goal shot, Newcastle's kick pressure prompted him to pass off to Luke Brooks who sent his effort wide from 40 metres out.
A Cherry-Evans field goal would have been something of a statement, with questions still surrounding his spot in Queensland's team for State of Origin II.
But instead it was kick pressure from Ponga on Brooks that proved the difference, before the Knights star's winning play.
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The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Five things you need to know about sport for the long weekend
Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there."
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Knights coach sorry for criticising frustrated fans
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season. Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season. Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Newcastle best bets, inside mail for Saturday, June 7, 2025
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Saturday. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. NEWCASTLE BEST BET Race 5 No. 2: QUEEN'S RHAPSODY Resumed with a smart win and hard to beat again. NEXT BEST Nice win on a heavy track two starts back. Back to provincial grade after a sixth in town. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 1: RUSH ATTACK Freshened after failing at Hawkesbury and has trialled well since. BEST EXOTIC Quinella Race 5: 2, 5 QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 7, 10 Race 7: 2, 3, 10 Race 8: 1, 2, 5, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Talented apprentice MOLLIE FITZGERALD has some nice rides and looks a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. INSIDE MAIL – NEWCASTLE EXTRIO (9) is a two-year-old against the older horses. Sat three-wide to win her Warwick Farm trial from Confidentiality and Central Coast. Tracked speed before getting clear and closed stylish to win her May 29 Rosehill trial by over a length on a Heavy 9. COSMIC EAGLE (8) is another two-year-old filly on debut. Raced outside the leader before dashing away to win her Rosehill trial on the same day in slightly quicker time. MEDITERRA (10) also starts her career off a trial win, her one at Kembla on May 12. BOHEMIAN ART (1) was well backed on debut and raced outside the leader when a neck second behind Impressionism who kicked back to beat here on Apr 26. She bled from one nostril when fifth to Monte Veebee at Kembla second-up. Worth another chance. ZO FRILLING (9) followed three placings with a fourth to Faceoff last start. Will appreciate the extra trip. OAKFIELD EARTH (7) also debuted in that race won by Impressionism where she finished a three length sixth. Went to the tricky Quirindi track and finished a half-length fourth. Bet: Bohemian Art to win ARISTOCRAT (11) made steady ground from near last when fourth to Regulated Affair on debut then battled away on the heavy ground when sixth to Agarwood at Randwick. Winkers and tongue tie on and dropping back to provincial grade can help him break through. LORD VETTORI (3) has placed in four of his six start including second placing at his last two. Boxed on gamely behind Faceoff on a Heavy 9 at Goulburn last start. MATETE (4) has been just behind the placegetters in his four runs and won't be far away again. DIVO (2), the grandson of Makybe Diva, has won both trials this preparation. The margin wasn't great in his latest Wyong heat but it was on a Heavy 9. JUST RESPONSE (4) sat three-wide and cruised home to win on the Beaumont on May 7. Led all-the-way to beat Smashing Nova on a heavy track on the Beaumont last Monday. MAGIC FLAMES (7), the half-sister to city winner Magic Pharoah, has shown nice ability with placings in her two Randwick trials. QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (2) kicked off her second preparation with a stylish win from Missie Lee over 1100m at Hawkesbury and will appreciate stepping up to 1200m here and even further in time. Gets in well with a 3kg claim. TRUE AMOR (5) was scratched a couple of time before resuming with a length fourth to Secure at Warwick Farm on May 7. Will take benefit from the run and appreciate the drop back t provincial grade. NINGALOO REEF (1) returned with a big win at Hawkesbury. LOUNERSE (1) will appreciate a drop back in grade on her second last of 11 in the Midway at Randwick on May 24. Prior to that was a narrow winner over this track and distance. AUTUMN DREAM (2) debuted with an upset win over Hurry Miss in a Warwick Farm Super Maiden over 1300m before finishing just behind the placegetters in her next two over 1600m. CALYX ROSE (7) took improvement from her first two runs when she stepped up to 1375m to win at Cowra and followed with an all-the-way win over 1500m here on Feb 1. MISSILE SEEKER (2) missed the start by a couple of lengths before coming through the middle of the field to score by a length from Willie Oppa at Wyong on a Heavy 9. Boxed on for sixth to Piggyback at Warwick Farm last start. AIX EN PROVENCE (3) resumed with a close third to Miss Kim Kar at Canterbury first-up last campaign. Was a close second in a Midway three starts later. Trialling well. CARNEGIE HILL (10) has claims on his last start Hawkesbury win. RUSH ATTACK (1) was freshened after racing keenly and finishing down the track behind Enter The Dragon at Hawkesbury on Apr 9. Just pipped by Pocketing in a Randwick Midway and beaten a length onto seventh behind Inferencia in a Rosehill Midway. SCHOLL DEEP (8) was a three-quarter length third to Fiftyfivechevy on a Good 4 here then relished the heavy track when a smart winner over Better Explain here on May 3. Gets in well with the 3kg claim. OAKFIELD MAMSELLE (5) has a win and a second from three first-up runs. Is two from two over the mile.
