The Newcastle Knights have backed up their strong start to the year with an equally impressive showing against the Wests Tigers, who were their own worst enemy for much of the game as they lost 26-4.
The Knights wasted no time getting the scoreboard ticking over, with Jake Clifford proving last week was no fluke with two quick try assists off the boot. His first one was a chip-style kick for himself that couldn't be hauled in by Hastings, while the next was a pinpoint crossfield effort that was masterfully grounded inches from the dead ball line by Tyson Frizell. Newcastle had themselves a 12 points to nil lead after just 10 minutes.
Both sides then exchanged multiple errors, and the Tigers didn't threaten despite having decent field position for periods of time. The only other scoring for the half came in the 34th minute, when Tyrone Peachey committed a professional foul and was sent to the sin bin, giving the Knights the chance to extend their lead to 14, which they did.
Any real hope of a second half comeback was dashed in the 47th minute, when Adam Clune found some running room before passing it to his left to Bradman Best, who dived over the line basically untouched. Clifford missed a shot at goal for the first time however, leaving the door slightly ajar for the Tigers at 18-0.
The door was then slammed shut about 6 minutes later, when a Daine Laurie knock on allowed the Knights to build some pressure for a couple of sets before setting up a short side raid on the right that Dom Young was the beneficiary of.
The Tigers thought they had their first try of the game in the 62nd minute after Stefano Utoikamanu crashed over from short range, however replays showed he had lost the ball over the line.
It proved a costly error, as Newcastle marched their way up the field during the ensuing set that ultimately ended with a Dane Gagai try.
The Tigers would eventually trouble the scorer however, getting over for a consolation try in the 76th minute through skipper Ken Maumalo. Hastings couldn't convert, which gave us the final score of 26-4.
Next week the Knights will face arguably their biggest test yet against the Panthers in Bathurst next Saturday, while the Tigers will play against one of the other three winless teams on Friday when they host the Warriors at Campbelltown.