The Newcastle Knights rewrote the record books yet again at Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Not only did the NRLW side account for the Gold Coast Titans 24-18 in a thriller, the gifted outfit secured back-to-back premierships for the first time in the Hunter club’s history, men’s or women’s.
The result also made a mockery of the Dally M Coach of the Year award with local mentor Ronald Griffith being overlooked for rival Karyn Murphy, despite his success over the past two seasons.
But, in spite of that, the defending premiers – two-try hero Tamika Upton, Sheridan Gallagher, Shanice Parker, Abigail Roache, Jasmin Strange, Georgia Roche, Jesse Southwell, Tayla Predebon, Olivia Higgins, Caitlan Johnston, Laishon Albert-Jones, Yasmin Clydsdale, Hannah Southwell, Nita Maynard, Tiana Davison, Kayla Romaniuk, Rima Butler, Jacinta Carter, Caitlin Moran, Felila Kia, Tamerah Leati and Jayde Herdegen – didn’t have it all their own way.
Gold Coast came out with all guns blazing and camped inside its opponent’s territory over the opening exchanges.
The Knights finally cracked in the 13th minute when Titans centre Jaime Chapman barnstormed her way over. Zara Canfield drilled it through the uprights for a 6-0 lead.
The second-rower landed a penalty soon after for 8-0.
Newcastle struck back in the 25th minute when Dally M Player of the Year Upton fired a cut-out pass to an unmarked Strange, who crossed in the corner. Jesse Southwell failed to convert, leaving it 8-4.
Almost immediately, thanks to a Gold Coast dropped ball, centre Parker stepped up her opposite number and found winger Gallagher in support. Although Southwell missed the shot at goal, the teams were locked at 8-all.
The Knights hit the front in the 32nd minute when Parker ran a brilliant line to touch down out wide. Gallagher, taking over the kicking duties, also sent the attempt astray, however Newcastle went into the sheds ahead 12-8.
Chapman’s second four-pointer, straight after the break, levelled the decider at 12-all.
Another error put the Knights on the back foot.
And, it was 21-year-old Chapman who bagged her hat-trick in the 42nd minute. Lauren Brown added the extras for an 18-12 margin.
However, a one-on-one strip to Gallagher changed the course of the match.
In the 61st minute, Upton sighted an opening and raced through to keep Newcastle in the fight. Southwell converted to tie it up 18-all.
The superstar No 1 then did it all herself.
With just minutes remaining, Upton grubbered through for herself and dived on the loose ball. Southwell iced the moment for a 24-18 victory.
“I’d like to thank all the Newcastle fans who came out here [today], it’s incredible.
“And, to all the Knights fans back home, we love you and thank you for all your support,” Upton said.
It’s understood a civic reception is planned for Tuesday in Newcastle.
- NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 24 (Tamika Upton 2, Jasmin Strange, Sheridan Gallagher, Shanice Parker tries; Jesse Southwell 2 goals) defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 18 (Jaime Chapman 3 tries; Zara Canfield 2, Lauren Brown goals)
For more sports stories:
- REAL NRL: Huth, Lamb share Player of the Year honours
- A GOOD SPORT: If Fittler’s not the right man, who is?
- GALLERY: Wheelchair sport rolls into Hunter for first time
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