Newcastle Knights vs Dolphins - Round 18, 2026
The result
The Knights led 12 to 0 at halftime at McDonald Jones Stadium and looked in control after Dylan Lucas opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but the Dolphins clawed back to within one point before Dylan Brown's 76th minute field goal settled it 13 to 12. A comfortable-looking lead turned into a nervy finish for Newcastle.
How it unfolded
The Knights made 1848 all run metres to the Dolphins' 1739, though the Dolphins completed at a higher rate, 75 percent to the Knights' 72 percent. The Dolphins also got through more tackles, 397 to the Knights' 360.
Against projection
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki scored 74 against a projection of 41, the biggest beat of the match, while Lachlan Crouch's 34 came in 23 above his own modest projection. At the other end, Tevita Naufahu managed just 30 against a projection of 58, and Jacob Saifiti's day lasted only 13 minutes for 9 points after being named to start.
Price moves
Cody Hopwood rose $34,000 after scoring 44 against a break even of just 3, and Brad Schneider rose $30,000 off a break even of 6. Herbie Farnworth fell $33,000 despite scoring 45, well short of his break even of 72, while Sandon Smith fell $18,000 after his 30 missed a break even of 46.
Ownership outcome
Jamayne Isaako scored 53 with a try in the loss, while Jake Averillo added 48 with two try assists though his price still fell $22,000 against a break even of 63. Trai Fuller's 42 came with a break even of just 9, turning into a $29,000 rise.
