The Newcastle Knights suffered a crushing 38-4 loss to North Queensland, equalling an unwanted record by failing to score in the first half for the 11th time this season, a feat only matched by the 2014 Tigers in the Origin era.
Errors gifted the Cowboys early tries as Scott Drinkwater starred with two tries, two assists, and seven goals, while Braidon Burns added a runaway intercept. Dom Young’s aerial effort provided Newcastle’s only points, but the defeat marked their 10th straight loss in Townsville and continued their winless streak at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Rookie fullback Connor Votano showed promise on debut despite the team’s dismal showing.
