Knights to control finals destiny with win over Titans

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Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans

The Newcastle Knights have confirmed an exhilarating showdown for the last spot in the finals after downing the Gold Coast Titans 36-14 on Sunday afternoon.

Setting up a winner-takes-all clash to determine eighth place with the Dolphins on Old Boys Day next Sunday, the Knights stood tall in front of 24,712 home supporters with Kalyn Ponga coming away with a personal haul of 16 points.

The Knights started full of intensity and looked to open the scoring through Greg Marzhew only for a long-range break in the following set finished off by Jojo Fifita (6th minute), who backed his pace to touch down out wide.

A try to Ponga (21st minute) midway through the half gave the home side the lead after the Newcastle captain accelerated from a standing start to beat David Fifita and carried Jayden Campbell over the line.

Both sides were unable to capitalise on opportunities as halftime approached - Fletcher Sharpe dropping the ball for Newcastle and Gold Coast debutant Jaylan De Groot grounding short of the line - however a left-side attacking raid allowed Ponga (37th minute) to back up in support for a 12-4 lead at the change of ends.

The Titans were made to pay for errors and penalties following the resumption with Sharpe collecting a hat-trick with speed (43rd minute), catching a Gidley-esque flick from Brodie Jones (46th minute) and pouncing on a Dane Gagai grubber kick (51st minute).

Phoenix Crossland (55th minute) collected his first try of the season to secure the Knights 11th win from 15 matches against the Titans in Newcastle, while a flying catch by Fifita (60th minute) stemmed the one-way flow of points with the winger collecting his second try of the day.

A great show of footwork from Jayden Campbell gave De Groot (70th minute) a consolation try before Leo Thompson (79th minute) steamrolled the debutant on fulltime to the delight of the Newcastle faithful.

The Knights played in their hi-vis strip as part of the Club's annual Voice for Mining partnership and recorded their ninth win from 19 matches when wearing the orange jersey over the last decade.

Next week, the Knights will face the Dolphins at home on Sunday afternoon, while the Titans will travel to Penrith on Saturday night to take on the Panthers.