NRL 2024 LIVE: Bulldogs get win over Newcastle after Ponga leaves the field injured

Well, that didn’t take long.

And it’s an absolute nightmare for North Queensland fullback Scott Drinkwater, who won’t want to watch the replay as Will Kennedy scores for the Sharks.

The Cowboys gun takes a high Nicho Hynes bomb perilously close to the sideline, and as he fears about being bundled into touch from a tackle featuring debutant Sam Stonestreet and Jesse Ramien, he throws a rushed offload, which only falls to Kennedy. He dummies past Semi Valemei for the first points. It’s come only after two-and-a-bit minutes.

Nicho Hynes curls the conversion between the posts from out wide. What a start for Cronulla.

Sharks 6 Cowboys 0

Thanks to Billie Eder for taking us through the Bulldogs’ big win over the Knights. Adam Pengilly here for the second match of the afternoon, with Valentine Holmes kicking off for the Cowboys against the Sharks. It should be a cracker in front of a big crowd in the Shire.

BULLDOGS 36, KNIGHTS 12

KEY POINTS

BULLDOGS RESURGENCE: A victory over the Roosters, a close call with the Storm, and now a win over the Knights – Canterbury are on the rise. Despite losing young gun Chris Patolo early to a suspected MCL injury, the Bulldogs fought for the full 80 minutes. Viliame Kikau once again was the model player, leading by example in defence and attack, while Bronson Xerri and Jacob Kiraz were relentless in attack. The left wing of Kikau and Josh Addo-Carr was firing – I suspect they’ll cause a few upsets this season.

KALYN PONGA: The Knights’ No.1 man picked up a hip pointer injury against the Roosters, and he carried it into Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs. A noble effort to stay out there as long as he did, but it did more harm than good for Newcastle. Ponga knew it was right to call time when he watched and willed a ball into touch, only for Canterbury to score. If Ponga has to spend some time on the sideline, it’s hard to see how the Knights snap their losing streak.

CONNOR TRACEY: Blake Taaffe can kiss the fullback jersey goodbye after an impressive performance from Connor Tracey on Sunday. He was lethal when he teamed up with the Bulldogs edges, and he was fast through the middle of the field, wreaking havoc for Newcastle’s defensive line. With 151 run metres, two line break assists and two try assists, it’s safe to say he played a massive part in the club’s victory.

KEY STATS

It’s too little too late for Bradman Best, who gets a try on the cusp of full-time.

He dodges about five defenders to score, and it’s a sign of what Newcastle lacked this afternoon. Best didn’t get his hands on the ball enough today, but the Bulldogs did a good job of shutting him down for 78 minutes.

The siren rings out, and Canterbury have another win for the year.

Full-time: Bulldogs 36, Knights 12

We’re moments away from full-time now, but there’s still enough time for some fighting.

Jack Hetherington and Reed Mahoney are sent to the sin bin with three minutes to go, which means it’s 12 on 12 to close out this game.

A comfortable victory is in sight for the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs 36, Knights 6 with three minutes to go

Blake Taaffe had fresh legs indeed, with the young utility teaming up to get some points for Stephen Crichton.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we see another try or two from the Bulldogs before the full-time whistle.

Bulldogs 36, Knights 6 with six minutes to go

The Knights are doing a good job of containing Canterbury as we near the final 10 minutes of this game.

Blake Taaffe has entered the game for the first time this game, with coach Cameron Ciraldo opting to give Drew Hutchison a break.

Taaffe could prove dangerous in these final minutes, with the Knights defence out of puff.

Bulldogs 30, Knights 6 with 10 minutes to go

Last time these two teams played, the Knights beat the Bulldogs 66-0. The way things are going, that scoreline might be flipped come full-time.

The Knights have managed to get one try on the board, but since then, it’s been all about the Bulldogs.

A try for Josh Addo-Carr in the corner just adds to the pain of losing Kalyn Ponga, and it looks like they’re in for some more, with Canterbury easily marching up the field each set.

Bulldogs 30, Knights 6 with 17 minutes to go

Things aren’t going Kalyn Ponga’s way this afternoon, and now the Knights star fullback is leaving the field.

He just let the Bulldogs score as he watched the ball dribble towards the dead ball line, only for the Bulldogs to ground the ball before it went dead.

With Ponga off, Tyson Gamble has gone to fullback. It’s obvious that hip pointer injury from last week is causing him some grief, and there are rumours that he’s picked up a foot injury too.

Bulldogs 24, Newcastle 6 with 25 minute to go

We’re into the final 40 minutes at Accor, and it’s the Bulldogs who are on top to start this half.

Both sides are looking fatigued, but the Bulldogs just have more firepower.

I think there are a few injury concerns for the Newcastle as well – Kalyn Ponga doesn’t look 100 per cent, and neither does Tom Jenkins on the wing.

Bulldogs 18, Knights 6 with 35 minutes to go