Kayln Ponga didn’t see out the match, but it mattered little as Canterbury put it’s season back on track with a six tries to two mauling of a lacklustre Newcastle before 17,784 vocal fans at Accor Stadium.

Less than 12 months ago Newcastle put 66 unanswered points past a hapless Canterbury. But despite a slow start to the season, coach Cameron Ciraldo has already given fans hope of a bright future, and it was there in spades during a commanding 36-12 victory.

Sam Hughes crashed over for a perfect start, then with 68 per cent of possession, Canterbury spent the open 20 minutes camped in Newcastle territory.

Matt Burton tormented the Knights’ back three with an array of kicks, and following a third drop-out, new fullback Connor Tracy combined with Jacob Kiraz to give Canterbury a 12-0 lead.

Tyson Gamble provided Newcastle’s only joy of the opening half. A late call up to replace Jack Cogger, the playmaker put prop Dylan Lucas across, but it was quickly counted by Bronson Xerri who made it 18-6 at the break.

It was all Canterbury in the second half. With renewed steel they dominated territory and worked plays either side of the ruck on route to a comfortable..

Next week Canterbury have the bye before taking on the Tigers, while Newcastle’s tough run continues away to the Dolphins.

PONGA ON ONE LEG

It proved a day to forget for Kayln Ponga. After suffering a hip injury in last week’s narrow loss to the Roosters, the Maroons’ hopeful was clearly hampered until being substituted in the 53rd minute.

Under a constant barrage of pinpoint kicks, the star No.1 spent the afternoon on the backfoot. And he was caught with his pants down after the break while wishing the ball over the dead-ball line, only to see Bailey Hayward pounce to score Canterbury’s fourth try

DROUGHT BREAKERS

It’s been a long road back to the top for Xerri, but the former Sharks centre had plenty to cheer about in the 34th minute.

After coming close to powering over the line in a strong opening, the No.3 eventually got over the stripe, saluting his first four-pointer in five years.

In just his second game, Hayward’s try was his first in the NRL in just his second outing. A genuine livewire, the playmaker is one of many local juniors on the rise.

REMEMBER ME

Murmurings of Josh Addo-Carr’s Origin demise persist, but the flying winger showed enough to keep Blues coach Michael Maguire interested.

His spectacular one handed put down extended Canterbury’s lead to 28-6, and was his 22nd in 23 games at the Olympic Stadium.

PATOLO INJURY

Rising Bulldogs prop Chris Patolo faces an extended stint on the sidelines after heading up the tunnel following the early exchanges.

The 22-year-old local junior twisted a knee, and club officials said they won’t know the extent of the damage until he goes for scans.

MATCH PREVIEW

The Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs are both desperate for a win ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Round 7 clash at Accor Stadium.

For the Bulldogs Max King comes into the side, with Samuel Hughes switching to the bench and Poasa Faamausili dropping out.

For the Knights Thomas Jenkings comes onto the wing with Enari Tuala switching to centre for the injured Dane Gagai.

Tyson Gamble replaces the dropped Jack Cogger, while Daniel Saifit switches with brother Jacob and Brodie Jones joins the bench.

Both clubs have slipped into the bottom four of the NRL ladder after suffering narrow defeats last weekend, while Knights centre Dane Gagai has been ruled out of the contest due to injury. Enari Tuala has moved into the centres, while Thomas Jenkins slots in on the wing.

Kick off is scheduled for 2pm AEST.

TEAMS

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights, 2:00pm @ Accor Stadium

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 22. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Josh Curran 8. Samuel Hughes 14. Bailey Hayward 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Blake Taaffe. 18th man: 21. Jake Turpin

 

Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 22. Thomas Jenkins 20. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 15. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 8. Jacob Saifiti 14. Phoenix Crossland 16. Jack Hetherington 19. Brodie Jones. 18th man: 17. Mathew Croker