Knights 14 – Sharks 34
Another poor performance from the Knights as pressure continues to mount on the men from the Hunter. They looked second-rate for most of the game and have some serious issues with their attack. After scoring just four points across their previous two matches, they managed only four points in the first 70 minutes of this clash, adding two late tries in the final ten minutes when the game was all but gone. That’s not good enough for a side that boasts superstars like Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, and livewires like Fletcher Sharpe.
It feels like we’ve been asking the same question for years – who is the Knights’ halfback? Yes, they’ve signed Dylan Brown for the 2026 season, but they desperately need clarity around the No.7 role now. The constant chopping and changing week-to-week is killing their rhythm, and at times they look like a team of strangers. Is it just me, or has Ponga barely been getting his hands on the ball when it matters most over the past month?
On a positive note, Greg Marzhew was at his damaging best. He ran for 197 metres, scored a try, set up another, broke the line twice, and finished with a ridiculous 14 tackle busts. While he can be a liability under the high ball at times, when he’s on, he’s arguably the most damaging winger in the competition.
The Sharks, on the other hand, were switched on from the opening whistle. They’re currently in the middle of a tough stretch – six straight games away from the Shire (don’t even get me started on the farce that is the NRL draw) – and now have back-to-back wins under their belt. If they can pinch a few more wins during this period, they’ll be well-positioned heading into the back end of the year.
Will Kennedy was best on ground last week, and he’s backed it up with another outstanding performance. He was everywhere – scoring a try, running for 197 metres, and busting eight tackles. Blayke Brailey was also excellent through the middle, setting up two tries (and was unlucky not to have a third), while making 37 tackles with just two misses. After years of consistency, he’s well and truly in the Origin conversation – and still improving.
I still think the Sharks have another gear or two to find, and they’ll need to reach it if they want to be a genuine contender. But this was a strong win for the men from the Shire.
Jack’s Dally M votes
3 – Will Kennedy
2 – Blayke Brailey
1 – Greg Marzhew
Aaron’s Dally M votes
3 – Will Kennedy
2 – Greg Marzhew
1 – Blayke Brailey
Let us know in the comments who your man of the match was.
