newy.com.au – Newcastle have ended their 25 year wait for an NRL grand final berth, overcoming a first half send off to beat Penrith 22-14 at Accor Stadium on Sunday.
The Knights lost hooker Phoenix Crossland in the 36th minute for a hip-drop tackle that left Nathan Cleary with a broken leg. Trailing 14-6 at half time, Newcastle faced the second half a player down.
But the Knights held Penrith scoreless after the break in front of 57,102 fans, with halfback Sandon Smith scoring twice to secure a place against the Sydney Roosters in next Sunday’s decider.
The victory leaves Newcastle one win from a premiership after finishing with the wooden spoon last year. Under coach Justin Holbrook, the Knights finished seventh this season before eliminating South Sydney, the Warriors and Penrith to reach their first grand final since 2001.
Francis Manuleleua scored Newcastle’s opening try before winger Dominic Young crossed early in the second half to reduce Penrith’s lead to four points. Smith then caught the Panthers off guard with a quick tap near halfway in the 59th minute, racing away to score and converting his own try to put the Knights ahead 16-14.
Newcastle repeatedly repelled Penrith’s attacks as they protected the narrow lead. Captain Kalyn Ponga and Jermaine McEwen combined to deny Casey McLean a crucial late try, keeping the Knights in front.
Smith put the result beyond doubt in the dying seconds, intercepting a Liam Martin pass and sprinting 80 metres for his second try. His conversion completed the eight point win.
The Knights will return to Accor Stadium to face the Roosters on Sunday, October 4, with kick-off at 7.30pm.
