Round 6
Newcastle Knights 16 l. Brisbane Broncos 20

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

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

Broncos season back on track
Mon April 23, 2007
Last night was the Andrew Johns Farewell Tribute at EnergyAustralia Stadium last night, but someone forgot to tell the Broncos about the script as they toughed out a 20-16 victory in front of 25,524 fans.

It was Knights first home game since Johns announced his retirement and the large Newcastle crowd gave Johns a fitting send off with the new eastern stand named in honour of the champion halfback.

The main show however was the game itself and the Broncos came to Newcastle with intent of getting just their second victory of the season in six rounds. Brisbane lost their first three matches, defeated a woeful Roosters outfit 32-10 and last week went down to the Gold Coast in the South-East Queensland derby.

Brisbane got off to the ideal start when Tonie Carroll found space and offloaded to Petero Civoniceva in support to score under the posts. Darren Lockyer converted the try for the Broncos to lead 6-0.

Newcastle hit back moments later with Todd Polglase scoring in the corner and Adam McDougall crossed in the 24th minute for the Knights to lead 10-6.

Polglase than committed a blunder of massive proportions in the 32nd minute where he lost the ball cold at dummy half with Brent Tate diving on the loose ball to score. Darius Boyd scored four minutes later to compound the error with Michael Ennis converting for the Broncos to lead 16-10 at the break.

Newcastle leveled up the scores six minutes into the second half when Polglase made up for his error with his second try with Kurt Gidley adding the extras.

Boyd's second try edged Brisbane in front with just under 20 minutes to go and from there they held on for victory against a Knights side determined to make the night a perfect party for the Johns farewell.

Next week the Broncos take on Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium with more than just the two points at stake. It's the Grand Final replay from last year and with both sides filled with some of Queensland's best talent, there will be plenty of State of Origin positions up for grabs.

Ennis said after the match, "Melbourne probably aren't playing the best football they can play, but they are playing a team style of football and that's what you have to do at this time of the year.

"We need to get out attitude right like it was last night, and be prepared to work hard for each other.

"If we can do that it will give us a few leg-ups towards winning the game."

Newcastle will face up to the Brett Kimmorley led Sharks at EnergyAustralia Stadium this weekend.


Andrew Johns Celebration
Mon April 16, 2007
Source: www.newcastleknights.com.au

Retired Newcastle Knights legend, Andrew Johns will be honoured at this Sunday's clash between the Knights and the Broncos at EnergyAustralia Stadium, when Newcastle says thank you for 14 years of unforgettable memories.

Details are still being finalised but a ceremony is scheduled to begin with a guard of honour, formed by Joey's 1997 and 2001 Premiership winning team mates.

Interest for the day is extremely strong with just 10,000 seats and general admission tickets still available. Pre-purchasing is highly recommended.

Meanwhile, a limited edition Andrew Johns t-shirt will go on sale tomorrow, highlighting his outstanding career achievements.

Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the shirt from Knights Kingdom Supporter Stores throughout the week and are encouraged to wear them on Sunday.

News sent by: www.newcastleknights.com.au

Advanced Search