St George Illawarra were left frustrated after a narrow 22-20 defeat to Newcastle at Hunter Stadium, despite outscoring the Knights four tries to three.
The difference came from the kicking tee, with Newcastle’s Sandon Smith landing all five of his attempts, while Valentine Holmes missed two crucial conversions, including one from directly in front and another that struck the post late in the match.
The Dragons fought back from a six-point deficit and had a final opportunity to steal victory in the dying moments, but halfback Kyle Flanagan was unable to secure a loose ball in the in-goal area.
Interim coach Dean Young praised his side’s effort and commitment, but lamented missed chances, while Newcastle’s win, achieved without rested Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas, lifted the Knights provisionally into third place on the NRL ladder.
