On March 13, 2025, the Newcastle Knights showcased their prowess with a commanding 26-12 victory over the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium, solidifying their position at the top of the NRL ladder. The evening saw Kalyn Ponga deliver a masterclass performance, earning the title of man of the match, as enthusiastic fans cheered on the home side. A crowd of 18,531 witnessed the Knights bounce back from their previous scrappy performance against the Wests Tigers to claim their first home match win of the season.
From the outset, the Knights hit the ground running, demonstrating clinical execution with four tries scored within the first half hour of the game. James Schiller wasted no time making his impact known, scoring the opening try just 10 minutes after the kick-off, following some impressive footwork and pace down the right flank. This was just the beginning for the 22-year-old winger, who soon scored his second try, pushing the score to 10-0 before Bradman Best and Dane Gagai stretched the lead to 20-0 with tries of their own.
Ponga, who played often at first receiver, was instrumental throughout the game, directing the Knights' plays and showcasing his undeniable talent. The crafty halfback made pivotal plays, including setting up tries for both Gagai and Best. "I’m so happy I was here to watch [Ponga's performance]," said Knights legend Andrew Johns during the Channel Nine commentary. His brilliance on the field caught the eye of many, including Queensland coach Billy Slater, who lauded Ponga's efforts: “It was 10 out of 10 for Kalyn in the first half for me.”
Despite the Knights' dominance, the Dolphins did find moments of brilliance. Just before halftime, Isaiya Katoa executed clever play, stepping through the Knights' defensive line to set up forward Mark Nicholls for the Dolphins' only first-half try, providing some hope as the teams headed to the sheds. The Knights ended the first half with their lead firmly established, but the Dolphins, desperate for their first win of the season, regrouped determinedly.
Post halftime, the Knights quickly maintained their momentum, with Dylan Lucas scoring five minutes after the break, courtesy of a clever offload from Fletcher Sharpe, extending the Knights' lead to 26-6. The Dolphins, struggling defensively, were penalized multiple times, and their discipline came under question as they battled for any semblance of control.
The match took an unexpected turn when Kai Pearce-Paul was sin-binned for a shoulder charge on Dolphins prop Daniel Saifiti at the 69-minute mark. This moment temporarily tightened the game as the Dolphins, now with a one-man advantage, waved their hopes for the match. Katoa grabbed this opportunity, scoring late to make it 26-12, but the Knights’ defense held strong, keeping the Dolphins from closing the gap any wider.
Overall, the Knights displayed their attacking prowess and strategic advantage on the field, with Ponga leading the way, having fingers everywhere, solidifying their reputation among fans eager for success this season. The club's recent signing of Parramatta playmaker Dylan Brown to a 10-year mega-deal from the 2026 season adds excitement about the future. It’s possible Brown will team up this year with Ponga, who will likely continue to play as the Knights' visionary leader.
Coach Adam O’Brien expressed his delight with the win, especially after the tumultuous past week of the Dolphins, who were affected by the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, forcing them to travel to Newcastle after having conditions of their Redcliffe training field disrupted. The loss adds to the Dolphins' woes, marking their second consecutive defeat after previously succumbing to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Next, the Knights will head to Gold Coast for their upcoming match, aiming to build on their current form as they encounter the season’s competitive demands head-on. Meanwhile, the Dolphins return home, determined to turn their fortunes around, missing out on key moments this season so far. This mismatch of performance levels really set the stage for what is bound to be an exciting run of matches for these two NRL teams as the season progresses.