AllRugby  

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Newcastle Knights defeated the Dolphins 26-12, with Kalyn Ponga shining in a strong NRL performance.

Newcastle Knights secured a commanding 26-12 victory against the Dolphins on March 13, 2025, marking their second consecutive win to kick off the season. Kalyn Ponga delivered a standout performance, leading the Knights with a masterclass in the first half that set the tone for the match.

Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone Alfred, which disrupted their training facilities, the Dolphins remained resolute. Coach Kristian Woolf and captain Tom Gilbert emphasized that they had adequately prepared for the game and refused to use the cyclone as an excuse for their performance.

The Dolphins welcomed back veterans Mark Nicholls and Kodi Nikorima, but were missing key players Kulikefu Finefeuaki and Connelly Lemuelu due to injuries. The match took place at McDonald Jones Stadium, where Daniel Saifiti faced off against his former team and brother Jacob for the first time, adding an emotional layer to the contest.

For more insights on the match, check out the NRL coverage and the Dolphins` post-match press conference here.

#NRL,#NewcastleKnights,#Dolphins,#KalynPonga,#CycloneAlfred