The Knights did well to keep the Warriors out in the early stages as the latter had five repeat sets attacking the tryline, thanks to two forced drop-outs and a couple of six-agains.
Newcastle then opened the scoring when new hooker Jayden Brailey burrowed over the line and planted the ball down to make it 6-0 after 19 minutes
Fox League commentator Steve Roach said Brailey “has rep player written all over him”.
The Warriors then looked to have scored through hooker Wayde Egan, only for the video referee to rule he lost it over the line, but then teammate Ben Murdoch-Masila struck in the next set to level the score.
Just before half time Jazz Tevaga was placed on report for a knee to the head of Bradman Best, and the Knights kicked over the penalty kick to lead 8-6.
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MATCH CENTRE: Warriors vs Knights score, stats, video, teams, and more
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TEAMS
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitu’a 3 Adam Pompey 4 Peta Hiku 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Kodi Nikorima 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita 8 Addin Fonua-Blake 9 Wayde Egan 10 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 11 Eliesa Katoa 12 Bayley Sironen 13 Tohu Harris 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Ben Murdoch-Masila 16 Leeson Ah Mau 17 Bunty Afoa
Knights: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 18. Phoenix Crossland 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 14. Sauaso Sue 13. Connor Watson 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones