Knights steal victory at the death over Parramatta

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Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels

The Newcastle Knights have stolen victory from the jaws of defeat and kept their unbeaten start to the season going following their 18-16 victory over the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium.

It was the Eels who were able to open the scoring first when Rikeya Horne was able to get her first try since 2018 when the Knights defence aimed up on Gayle Broughton who was lurking out the back but instead when short for Rikeya Horne to push through.

The Knights hit back soon after when it was the traditional Tamika Upton magic that took place when she was able break through the defence and get over in the corner. Kirra Dibb's conversion was waved away just not having the legs to get to the posts in the gusty conditions.

Neither side could fully get any momentum for the remainder of the half as the Eels were able to hold on a 6-4 lead.

Not long after the half time break the Knights were able to get across in controversial circumstances when the Bunker overruled a live decision of no try when Tayla Predebon got her way to the line and despite looking like she had lost it, the try was awarded by the bunker.

The Eels then hit back soon after to regain the lead when Tayla Preston was able to get a perfect cross-field kick out to the wing where Tess Staines was on the spot to pounce on the bouncing ball to score out wide and get the ball down. Tayla Preston converted and the Eels held a two-point lead once again.

A Kirra Dibb penalty goal levelled the scores for the Knights but it was only momentary because a collision between Tamika Upton and Jakiya Whitfeld at the back whilst contesting the ball saw Rikeya Horne pick up her second when she was able to clean up the loose ball and score her second try of the afternoon.

Olivia Higgins became the hero of Newcastle inside the final two minutes when she was able to burrow over from dummy half and steal the victory for the home side when she attracted defenders with a dummy before going over. Kirra Dibb converted to give the Knights an 18-16 lead.

The Eels had one last chance after they pulled off a 1-on-1 strip but they couldn't get anything going and the Knights held on.

Next weekend, the Knights will come up against fellow undefeated side the Sydney Roosters, whilst the Eels will have the battle of the bottom two sides when they take on the Titans with both games TBA on venue and times.