Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights - Round 14, 2026
The result
Melbourne held off Newcastle 32 to 30 at AAMI Park, a finish settled only when Trent Loiero crossed in the 70th minute to push the lead back out. Jacob Saifiti's try three minutes from time made it a two point game at the end, the closest the Knights got after halftime.
How it unfolded
The Storm ran up 1823 metres to the Knights' 1717 and completed at 90 percent to Newcastle's 71, controlling the ball for long stretches. Yet the Knights forced 9 line breaks to Melbourne's 5, cutting through despite the lopsided possession.
Against projection
Manaia Waitere ran way past his number, scoring 53 against a projection of just 17. At the other end, Greg Marzhew fell 45 short of his 71, and Dominic Young missed his projection of 59 by 31, scoring just 28. Alec MacDonald lasted only 37 minutes despite his starting role, still managing 25 points.
Price moves
Dylan Lucas rose $36,000 after scoring 72 against a break even of 30, and Munster added $27,000 having cleared his break even of 14 by a wide margin. Phoenix Crossland fell $50,000 after his 5 point game sat well under a break even of 44, and Ativalu Lisati dropped $22,000 scoring 36 against 65.
Ownership outcome
Kalyn Ponga top scored for either side with 81, well clear of his projection of 56. Jahrome Hughes added 57 with a try and a try assist, while Harrison Graham, projected just 14, returned 47 from 56 minutes off the bench role.
