The Newcastle Knights have secured a spot in the NRL finals with a 36-26 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium on August 16, 2026. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Knights, who finished last season at the bottom of the ladder.
The match was a high-scoring affair, with both teams displaying strong offensive plays. The Knights' performance was highlighted by standout tries from Kurtis Morrin and Fletcher Hunt, contributing to their six-try tally. The Titans responded with notable efforts, including a try from Jayden Campbell, but ultimately fell short.
Despite the victory, the Knights face concerns over injuries. Veteran center Dane Gagai suffered a hamstring injury during the game, adding to the team's injury woes as they approach the finals.
This win propels the Knights into the top eight, keeping their finals hopes alive and demonstrating a remarkable resurgence from last season's performance.
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