New coach, new result for Newie

The Newcastle Knights have jumped back into the top eight with a memorable 26-14 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Newcastle.

It had been a chaotic build-up for the Knights, with Roosters-bound coach Brian Smith leaving the side early, replaced by his assistant Rick Stone. But a new coach seemingly brought new life to the Knights, as they snapped a three-game losing streak and rose from eleventh to seventh spot on the ladder in the process.

Melbourne too had a fractured build-up to this game after the off-field disturbance that kept star Greg Inglis from playing, but such was the nature of this game that it is unlikely he would have much of a difference for the visitors.

The Knights were on top virtually from the opening whistle, playing an enterprising, exciting brand of football in attack, offloading frequently and moving from side to side. Such play led to an 11th minute break down the right-hand side, engineered by Adam MacDougall, who set up the break for his winger Keith Lulia. Halfback Jarrod Mullen backed up well to score the game