I can't believe this wasn't a Friday Night Game. With all the build up I believe this could've been a real spectacle. Instead we were dished out a lackluster Panthers/Broncos clash that left me feeling really dirty. Such a shame because I believe this match has so far been the match of the round.
I believe the Knights supporters should credit Brian Smith on the victory. I believe he came up with an effective game plan that helped nullified the Dragons and ultimately allowed the Knights to come in over the top with their talent. I believe as a football team the Newcastle side is ever improving and some of their inexperienced players such as Houston, Sau and Fa'aoso are establishing themselves as serious first graders which poses the Knights as real competitors in 09. Hopefully they continue their form and we can see them come September!
On the other hand I believe the Dragons have some minor adjustments to make if they're to keep to their tag as the premiership benchmark. With that said I absolutely loved watching Soward in the first half. His kicking game is without peer and the tries he set up for Wendell were as impressive as anything. I felt absolutely cheated by Dan Hunt in the final 10 minutes as I believe the Dragons were on the verge of Golden Point - which would've turned a good game into an absolute thriller. Sadly the boy made two costly mistakes and he's hopefully going to learn from them - I'm sure Soward will be reminding him if that last piece of footage was anything to go by.
In the end I was more than satisfied as a Rugby League supporter and I solemnly thank both clubs for putting together a nice game of footy.