Newcastle Knights back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon

The Newcastle Knights are back in the winners circle after some steely resolve saw them hold off the Brisbane Broncos. 

Playing at home for the first time since the opening round of the season, the win is a boost for a flourishing Knights outfit.

It was the Broncos with the early momentum, as repeat sets and penalties in their favour gave them a perfect opportunity to strike.

They failed to capitalise, though, but the chances went begging.

Newcastle were no saints in attack themselves, also letting numerous opportunities slip.

Points did eventually arrive as Kalyn Ponga continued his brilliant form at the back, sending Lachlan Fitzgibbon over.

With not much else happening, Mitchell Pearce nonchalantly kicked a field goal to give the Knights a 7-0 half-time lead.

Daniel Saifiti scored a rare try after a swashbuckling run and the Knights looked home and hosed at 13-0.

Momentum swung, though, after a Shaun Kenny-Dowall error.

One that the Broncos captialised on after Corey Oates scored in the corner.

Broncos five-eighth Anthony Milford then threatened to bust the game wide open with some scintillating runs.

One led to a try and the others to potential opportunities but in front of 21,000 fans, the Knights held on.

The loss was a straightforward one in Wayne Bennett’s eyes, as his Broncos side lacks fluidity and confidence.

“We are just lacking a bit of confidence right now, and I think that (tonight) was a big performance for us, but we have been clunky and haven’t been able to consistently put it together,” Bennett said.

“There were a number of opportunities out there, and different players missed them.

“My experience is if you start going upward, things sort themselves out pretty quickly.”

Knights captain Pearce praised his side’s defence but knows they must be consistent, particularly with a clash against the Melbourne Storm looming.

“The key for us is to back that up week to week now,” Pearce said.

“We have got a big task against Melbourne, so it does not get any easier.”

Player of the Game:

3. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

2. Anthony Milford

  1. Kalyn Ponga

By ricky

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