NRLW rookies Newcastle sent a strong message to the competition with a big victory a week out from finals.
A week after losing to the reigning premiers Roosters by two points in a thriller, the Knights made a statement against the other grand finalist from last season to beat St George Illawarra 30-8 in Gosford to end their regular season.
Those two teams meet again next Sunday as the second of a semi final double header, which will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now.
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The Roosters and Eels are the other finalists, while the Broncos and Titans finish outside the playoffs.
Once again it was teenage playmaker Jesse Southwell who was among the best for Newcastle.
The 17-year-old has been getting one-on-one coaching from NRL Immortal Andrew Johns, and she revealed the champion halfback sent her a text before Sunday’s game.
Stream the NRL and NRLW premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now
“Joey’s the best there ever is, and ever will be, I reckon,” Southwell told Nine after the game.
“He’s been helping me out heaps. He sent me a message before today’s game, just telling me to push and play flat and fast, and I can do my job off the back of the forwards.”
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Dragons fullback and reigning Dally M Medallist, Emma Tonegato, realises the Red V will need to improve markedly if they want to beat the Knights next week.
“Obviously not the greatest game for us,” she told Nine.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board, review, we’ll have some girls like Kezie (Apps) back which will help us.
“We just weren’t good enough today. Our defence was poor, especially on our line, and we gave away too many penalties.”
NRLW FINALS WEEK ONE
Sunday, September 25
Live and free on Nine and 9Now
2pm – Roosters vs Eels
Followed by – Knights vs Dragons
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