Parramatta Eels have scored their first win over the Newcastle Knights since 2009 with a close fought 28-24 victory at Hunter Stadium.
The Knights started quick with tries to Chris Houston and Akuila Uate, giving them a 12-0 lead after 12 minutes. However, Parramatta clawed their way back thanks to two tries from John Folau, which saw the visitors trail by just 2 points at the break.
The second half saw both sides take the lead. Bureta Faraimo’s try gave put Parramatta in front for the first time in the game, before tries to Dane Gagai and James McManus took the lead back for the Knights.
But two tries by Eels hooker Nathan Peats in the space of 10 minutes, gave the Eels the lead and eventually their third victory for the year.
Knights: 1. Kurt Gidley (c); 2. James McManus, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Akuila Uate; 6. Jarrod Mullen, 7. Tyrone Roberts; 8. Kade Snowden, 9. Adam Clydesdale, 15. David Fa’alogo, 11. Chris Houston, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jeremy Smith.
10. Korbin Sims, 14. Tyler Randell, 16. Joseph Tapine, 17. Jack Stockwell.
Tries: Houston (5), Uate (12), Gagai (50), McManus (57)
Goals: Roberts 3/5
Eels: 5. Reece Robinson; 2. Bureta Faraimo, 19. Brad Takairangi, 1. William Hopoate, 4. John Folau; 6. Corey Norman, 7. Chris Sandow; 16. Danny Wicks, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Tim Mannah (c), 11. Manu Ma’u, 12. David Gower, 13. Anthony Watmough.
14. Isaac De Gois, 15. Joseph Paulo, 17. Peni Terepo, 18. Richard Fa’aoso.
Tries: Folau (15, 36), Faraimo (47), Peats (67, 76)
Goals: Sandow 4/6
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match:
Knights: Jarrod Mullen
Eels: Nathan Peats
