The nib Newcastle Knights showcased their dominance with a 26-12 victory over the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium on March 13, 2025, marking their best start to the season since 2022.
The match began with a palpable intensity as twin brothers Daniel and Jacob Saifiti faced off against one another for the very first time, setting the tone for the evening. Fans witnessed immediate action as the Knights quickly took control, showcasing their attacking prowess. It didn’t take long for the scoreboard to light up, with James Schiller scoring his first try of the season just ten minutes in.
After Bradman Best broke through the defensive line to set up the play, Schiller touched down, beginning what would be a night of celebration for the Knights. The momentum continued as Schiller managed to double his tally just three minutes later, once again finding the end zone and putting the Knights firmly on the front foot. "He has absolutely killed them, he has been involved in everything... he is comfortably the best player out there right now," lauded rugby league legend Greg Alexander, highlighting the impact Schiller had so early on.
With the Knights leading 20-0 by the 27th minute, they seemed destined for victory. Ponga's performance shone through, as he contributed to multiple tries, displaying his footwork and agility. He finished the game with 100 running meters and three try assists, showcasing why he is considered one of the top players. Both Bradman Best and Dane Gagai contributed to the Knights' mounting scoreline, each crossing for tries thanks to Ponga's setup.
Despite the clear lead, the Dolphins found some hope when Isaiya Katoa took advantage of a brief lapse by the Knights. Just before halftime, after the Knights appeared to be firmly established as the victors, Katoa slipped through the defense to score, making it 20-6 at the break. While the Knights maintained their hustle, it was clear the Dolphins had some adjusting to do. Furrowing frowns and expressions of dismay were seen as they navigated through their gameplay.
The second half saw the Knights refuse to let their foot off the gas, with Dylan Lucas extending the lead to 26-6 early on with a strong attempt, assisted once again by Ponga and Adam Elliott. Lucas powered through just five minutes after the break following impressive plays from both he and his teammates. For the Dolphins, things looked grim, as they were left scrambling to catch up.
But the fight wasn’t over. Isaiya Katoa, leveraging the energy from the crowd, struck again for the Dolphins, running across the try line after evading several tacklers. This brought the score to 26-12, but the Dolphins still needed more as they faced penalties when Kai Pearce-Paul was sin-binned for what could be described as a rash shoulder charge. The clock ticked down, and with the Knights showcasing solid defense, the Dolphins couldn’t turn the tide.
Commentators noted the Dolphins' lethargic performance, with former player Nathan Hindmarsh stating, "They just played so sideways. I thought they were going to offer a little bit more… but they didn’t take control when they needed to." The frustrations were evident, as the Dolphins, still reeling from the effects of Cyclone Alfred and previous organizational disruptions, struggled to find their footing during this match.
Knights head coach Adam O’Brien expressed confidence saying, "We’ve got the pieces to be effective. After last week’s win and this match, it feels good to start 2-0. We’re focusing on what we do best right now." With excitement brewing for the team, discussions about future matches heightened, especially with Dylan Brown's anticipated arrival next season. The Knights have set themselves on course for what promises to be an energizing season.
On the other hand, Dolphins' head coach Kristian Woolf acknowledged the dual challenges of preparation and performance, sharing, "It was really disappointing... that's not something we've had a problem with during the trials or pre-season. We simply need to be sharper."
The Knights, now firmly at the top of the table, prepare for their next challenge against the Gold Coast Titans, eyeing yet another win. For the Dolphins, their next match against the Wests Tigers looms large as they hope to turn around their fortunes. Their performance against the Knights will be one they will look to learn from as they strive toward improvement and success.