Knights’ completion. Newcastle’s ball control was excellent in awful conditions. Possession and field position was always going to take on extra importance in the slush. The Knights were patient. St George Illawarra coughed up too much ball and paid the price.
Slippery when wet. Is it time for the NRL to remove all signage in wet conditions? Bradman Best slammed into an electronic advertising board when trying to score a try. Kalyn Ponga also crashed into an advertising sign when given the gentlest of nudges in the back by Jaydn Su’a. PS:good on the 9884 fans who braved the wet.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Newcastle’s Adam O’Brien:The whole performance was really impressive. To travel back from New Zealand and not get back until Monday night,it’s really four days you’ve got to get yourself up to play in conditions like that,which is hard on the body. They did a remarkable job. I’m really proud of them.
St George Illawarra’s Shane Flanagan:They kicked better,they scored three tries off kicks,last-tackle plays,credit to them,they handled[the conditions] better. He[Tyrell Sloan] is a young kid,he needs to learn it’s a tough game,and you need to put your head where people will put their boots. There will be collision,and that didn’t happen for their first three tries. I needed to make a change,and I’m not afraid to[make change].