Knights Stun Sea Eagles in Epic Golden Point Comeback at McDonald Jones Stadium
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – June 5, 2025 – The Newcastle Knights have pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2025 NRL season, overcoming a significant half-time deficit to snatch a thrilling 26-22 golden point victory over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night. Captain Kalyn Ponga delivered the decisive blow, sealing a gutsy win that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
The Round 14 opener was a tale of two halves, showcasing both the brutal physicality and the dramatic swings of momentum that make the NRL so captivating.
Match Story: From Dominance to Golden Point Heartbreak
The first half was all Manly. The Sea Eagles, fresh off a solid run of form, asserted their dominance early, running in three unanswered tries. Young gun Tolutau Koula continued his impressive season with a try, followed by strong efforts from Toafofoa Sipley and Haumole Olakau'atu. At the break, the scoreboard read a dominant 16-0 in favour of the Sea Eagles, leaving the home crowd booing their Knights off the field after another scoreless first half at McDonald Jones Stadium. Adding to Manly's early woes, fullback Lehi Hopoate was unfortunately ruled out with a Category 1 HIA after a try attempt that was ultimately disallowed.
However, the second half saw a completely transformed Newcastle side emerge from the sheds. The Knights found another gear, driven by a desperate desire to turn their season around.
- Knights' Resurgence: Fletcher Sharpe crossed early in the second half to get Newcastle on the board. The comeback continued with a stunning aerial effort from rookie winger Fletcher Hunt, who soared above his opposite number to collect a bomb and score his first NRL try, bringing the Knights to within four points.
- Momentum Shift: The Knights continued to pile on the pressure, with James Schiller levelling the scores at 16-all after a quick raid to the right edge.
- Manly's Brief Reply: Just when it seemed Newcastle had all the momentum, Manly hit back through Tommy Talau, who powered over under the posts to retake the lead 22-16 with under 10 minutes to play.
- Golden Point Drama: Refusing to yield, the Knights dug deep. With just minutes remaining, Fletcher Sharpe crossed for his second try of the night, finishing a fluid attacking play that started near halfway. Dane Gagai's conversion tied the game at 22-all, sending the match into golden point.
In extra time, it was the Knights who had the first opportunity. A high, midfield bomb from Kalyn Ponga was contested by Fletcher Hunt, who incredibly batted the ball back into the arms of the surging Ponga. The Newcastle captain collected it cleanly and raced away to score the winning try, sealing a memorable 26-22 victory in front of their jubilant supporters.
Key Players and Performance
- Newcastle Knights: Kalyn Ponga's brilliance shone brightest when it mattered most, while the heroics of young winger Fletcher Hunt and the solid contributions from Fletcher Sharpe and Dane Gagai were pivotal in the second-half resurgence.
- Manly Sea Eagles: Tolutau Koula and Haumole Olakau'atu were standouts in the first half, but Manly ultimately couldn't withstand the Knights' relentless second-half pressure. The loss of Lehi Hopoate early in the game was also a blow they struggled to overcome.
Significance of the Result
For the Newcastle Knights, this golden point triumph marks their biggest comeback since 2007 and provides a massive boost to their season. It demonstrates their resilience and ability to fight back, a crucial factor as they look to climb the ladder. The win also saw the Knights claim the Malcolm Reilly Trophy.
For the Manly Sea Eagles, it's a bitter pill to swallow, having let slip a commanding half-time lead. This defeat will undoubtedly prompt a tough review of their second-half defensive performance and game management. Manly still haven't won back-to-back games in 2025.
The NRL continues to deliver edge-of-your-seat action, and this Round 14 clash between the Knights and Sea Eagles will surely be remembered as one of the season's most thrilling encounters.