A 71st minute Jarrod Mullen field goal has seen a courageous Newcastle Knights outfit hold off a fast finishing Gold Coast Titans to record a 13-12 victory at Energy Australia Stadium tonight.
Fighting back from a 12-0 deficit inside the final twenty minutes, the table-topping Titans tried valiantly to snatch a last gasp victory, but were continuously denied by a determined Newcastle defence.
The Knights posted first points through a generous piece of fortune to centre Wes Naiqama; the versatile utility involved in a midair wrestle with Titans winger Ben Jeffrey, before winning a mad scramble to the loose ball to post first points.
Playing his second game in less then 24 hours, Knights fullback Kurt Gidley duly converted from wide out to hand the home side a 6-0 lead after 19 minutes.
Newcastle extended their lead just before the half-time break through some razzle dazzle football, this time half Jarrod Mullen completing an exhilarating team movement by weaving his way through some wilting Gold Coast defenders to post an entertaining team try.
Gidley easily converted from close range to send the Knights to the sheds with a deserved 12-0 lead.
After botching a few chances early in the second half, the Titans finally got on the board in the 61st minute through a debateable four-pointer to Gold Coast skipper Scott Prince.
Receiving the ball ten metres out, Prince put on a brilliant ‘show-and-go’ to slice his way between three Knights defenders, only to be brought down just inches short of the tryline, but the jubilant Titans skipper jumped to his feet claiming the try.
With television replays proving inconclusive, video referee Russell Smith referred the decision back to referee Gavin Badger who awarded a benefit of the doubt try to the skilful Titans half.
Prince duly converted his own four-pointer, and it was game on at 12-6.
A 70th minute Mullen field goal seemingly wrapped the match up for the homes side, but the Titans ensured a grandstand finish when backrower Mark Minichiello crashed over for a 73rd minute converted try.
But as they have done all match, the determined Knights defence held firm in the midst of a late flurry of Titans attack to grab the crucial two competition points.
The Knights now face one of the toughest road trips when they travel to Olympic Park to take on the Melbourne Storm next Monday night, while the Titans get a deserved week off with the Round 9 bye.
Newcastle Knights 13
Tries: Wes Naiqama, Jarrod Mullen
Goals: Kurt Gidley 2, Jarrod Mullen field goal
defeated
Gold Coast Titans 12
Tries: Scott Prince, Mark Minichiello
Goals: Scott Prince 2
At Energy Australia Stadium
Referee – Gavin Badger
StephenP
Arnold
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