Knights fullback Connor Watson was left devastated after his error four minutes from time cost the depleted Knights a backs-to-the-wall win over the Warriors on Saturday night.
Sam Lisone pounced on the ball and scored next to the posts after Watson, who was deputising for injured star Kalyn Ponga, attempted to trap a grubber with his foot but only managed to put it on a plate for the big Warrior.
Its heartbreaking, that one, a shattered Watson told Fox Sports after the match. We had it and that mistake from me at the end cost us. We tried everything but we just came up short.
We were missing a lot of players but we were in it and to lose it at the end there like that sucks. [The ball] came in fast and I tried to slow it with my legs but it ricocheted off and then a big guy like that running right on the line is hard to stop.
Advertisement
The Knights went into the game without seven regular top graders, including Origin stars Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Tim Glasby, Daniel Saifiti and Ponga, but showed enormous spirit.
Warriors halfback Blake Green was outstanding for the victors and came up with several clutch plays to get his side home.
Out of jail: Sam Lisone celebrates scoring the winning try for the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium.Credit:AAP
The Knights produced some inspiring defence in the first half and made the most of limited opportunities to lead 12-2 at the break.
Mason Lino gave the home side a 2-0 lead after seven minutes with a penalty goal but it was all square after 15 minutes when Issac Luke returned serve for the Warriors.
The Warriors looked to have posted the first try of the game midway through the half when winger David Fusitua stormed over in the corner but the video referee found a tiny Kodi Nikorima knock-on in the lead-up.
Wide man: Ken Maumalo scores close to the touchline for the Warriors.Credit:AAP
Wave after wave of attack from the Warriors was repelled by desperate Knights defence and, against the run of play, it was Newcastle who responded with a try. After getting a lucky restart deep in Warriors territory, back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon attracted two defenders and swivelled in the tackle to give centre Sione Matautia an open run to the line. Lino converted for an 8-2 lead.
Right on half-time Newcastle centre Jesse Ramien burst clear in a 40-metre run. As the clock wouRead More – Source
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
