The Newcastle Knights have fought back to defeat the New Zealand Warriors 24-14 at Hunter Stadium in round one of the NRL.
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Centre Dane Gagai bagged two tries as the Knights rallied in the second half to power home.
Newcastle drew first blood, Gagai scoring his first try after an offload from Akila Uate. But the Warriors hit back soon after in controversial circumstances, when Thomas Leuluai powered over.
Leuluai copped a knee to the face by Tyrone Roberts as he put the ball down and New Zealand was awarded an eight-point try.
The Warriors finished the first half stronger, Ryan Hoffman barging over to put them 14-6 up at the break.
In the second half New Zealand searched for another score, to kill the game off, but the Knights defence was punishing.
Sione Mata’utia smashed Bodene Thompson as he broke the line and just had the fullback to beat.
Then the Knights went from defence to attack, with Gagai showing fancy footwork for his second four-pointer.
Tyler Randell was next up, demonstrating smarts and toughness to burrow over from short range. The try and conversion put Newcastle 18-14 ahead.
The Knights were on a roll and never looked like losing. Robbie Rochow added the final try, finishing the Warriors off and sealing the 10-point victory.
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