Wenty (9th) played Newcastle (8th) today in the second last game of the regular ISP season. It was a must win and an early semi quality game - do or die for both teams. Both meet earlier in the season at Cessnock with Newcastle winning the game in the last 5 seconds.
Wenty had some big names in Hoffman, Vave, Frank the Tank and Gower, giving them much needed NRL experience against the young Newcastle team. The massive unit - Willis Meehan - had his second run with Wenty. So big is Willis he made Frank the Tank look small.
With 10 minutes to run Wenty were in front 24 to 12 but were running into a hurricane of a wind. Newcastle on the attack do a cross kick across the face of Wenty's try line and out leaped Wenty for the ball - Newcastle try. Kick converted. Wenty 24, Newcastle 18.
On last tackle Jack Cogger put in a short kick down the short side with Jacob Gagan running through. The Knights pick the ball up, a flick pass and Knights in again.
An important sideline kick with a huge wind behind. Newcastle place the needle through the sticks -
Wenty 24 vs Newcastle 24 - 5 minutes to go.
Three minutes to go and Brendon Elliot palms of Aukafalou and try time. Knights 30 vs Wenty 24. Wenty shocked and semi finals in tatters. Four (4) tries for Knights in 10 minutes.
90 seconds to go, Wenty have the ball on the attack in front of the posts. A short kick from Dargan is caught by the knights. The knights on back into attack mode with Cogger running down the sideline.
Newcastle 30 vs Wenty 24
WENTY:
John Folau - was very, very good in the secondrow. He definitely has found his right position and he is NRL ready right now for the backrow. Although he was a slow NRL centre/winger he is a mobile fast backrower with power. I also think he might be even better playing in the middle as he is a very strong defender and he hits like a sledge hammer. We must keep him for next year and keep him in the forwards. A little bit more endurance and he will an NRL backrower.
Honeti Tuha - was his usual very high quality and was in everything.
Vave - He had some strong runs and looked good at this level.
Frank the Tank - He is looking fitter and ready for NRL return. He had a good game today.
Niukore - Played in the middle today at lock and looked powerful in attack, but didn't play big minutes.
Gower - was very solid.
Replies
It was so shame to watching wenty play it was like watching us back in the dark days
Yes, we should have won that one. There is a slim chance of still making the 8 if we win next week and other teams ahead of us lose this weekend and next.
Wasn't John Folau good, I was very impressed with him. I'd bring John into the NRL team next week against Brisbane due to Ma'u out.