Newcastle got its NRLW premiership defence off to a hot start, but will count the cost of a brutal opening-round clash with St George Illawarra.
The Knights – who lost stars including Millie Boyle since winning last year’s grand final – sent a message to the competition by rolling the Dragons 32-16 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Two late tries to the Red V made things interesting, but the home side managed to hold on to get the chocolates, having done the hard work earlier to shoot out to a commanding lead.
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Jesse Southwell sealed the win with a short dropout that was collected by the Knights, then she scored up the other end complete with an Andrew Johns-like sidestep.
NRLW Highlights: Knights v Dragons – Round 1
“They will be better for this in the next couple weeks,” Johns told Nine after the win.
“Some really good signs for Newcastle.”
Unfortunately the reigning premiers will be without at least one player for next week’s game against North Queensland.
Stream the NRLW premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
Lock forward Laishon Albert Jones will automatically be ruled out for 11 days after she suffered category one concussion symptoms.
She clashed heads with teammate Rima Butler and both were forced off the field as blood flowed.
“Literal headaches for Newcastle right now,” commentator Brenton Speed said on Nine.
Earlier, Knights prop Tayla Predebon ran to the sideline holding her arm, and it became apparent what the issue was when Nine cameras saw her right hand.
One of her fingers had been badly dislocated and was sitting at a sickening angle.
“Lucky it’s past lunch time,” Ruan Sims said.
Predebon managed to have the joint put back in place and returned to the field.
The Dragons next take on the Eels in round two.
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