Round 5
South Sydney Rabbitohs 22 l. Newcastle Knights 23

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Knights begin life without Joey
Sun April 15, 2007
Newcastle has started life without Andrew Johns in the best way possible defeating South Sydney 23-22 in front of over 18,000 spectators at Gosford's Blue Tongue Stadium.

The Knights were rocked with the news during the week that Johns' remarkable career was over and full credit to coach Brian Smith who has been doing his best to move Newcastle forward in the post-Johns era with today being successful.

Fullback Kurt Gidley stood tall today scoring two tries, landing three conversions and potting over a crucial 71st minute drop goal, which ultimately proved the difference.

South Sydney started off in the right fashion with Kiwi forward David Faalogo crossing over after four minutes. Joe Williams converted for the Rabbitohs to lead 6-0.

Gidley struck back for the Knights with a try in the eight minute and also converted to level up the scores.

Dean Widders regained the lead for Souths in the 21st minute when he scored a controversial try. The effort and try from Widders himself was strong and sensational, however, it was the play two tackles before the try that raised the eyebrows. Roy Asotasi obstructed behind a team-mate and the referee allowed play-on saying that Asotasi surrended. Incidents much lesser than that one have been penalised this year and it was a harsh call for the Knights. Williams rubbed salt into the wounds by converting the try with Souths up 12-6.

Newcastle received a lucky break moments later when Faalogo was disallowed a second try when he was ruled to have lost the ball when trying to ground it. Faalogo failed in the basic element of football when he didn't have two hands on the ball.

The Knights took advantage of that break with James McManus crossing over in the corner in the 30th minute. Gidley was unable to convert with the Rabbitohs up by two points, which remained that way until half-time.

Souths got off to the ideal start in the second half with Nigel Vagana scoring outwide three minutes into the half. Williams was unable to give Souths the vital eight point buffer.

Scores were locked up in the 61st minute when Brad Tighe scored and Gidley converted.

Newcastle finally hit the lead on 66 minutes when Gidley plucked a bouncing kick out of the arms of a fumbling Souths opponent to score under the posts. Gidley added the extras for the Knights to lead 22-16.

Gidley landed a crucial drop-goal to put the Knights beyond a converted try ahead.

Souths scored after the full-time siren to bring the score closer than what the difference between the two sides suggests.

An excellent win for Newcastle and one where they'll really benefit from. Jarrod Mullen and Gidley showed that there is life after Johns and the Knights played outstanding as a team.

The Rabbitohs have now lost two on the trot and are in a bit of a hole after a promising start to the season. They can at least take solace that their form has been superior to the Broncos and Bulldogs this season.

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