Fletcher Sharpe Celebrates His Birthday with a Hat-Trick That Ends the Knights’ Losing Streak

Fletcher Sharpe had a birthday to remember as he broke through for a hat-trick at Suncorp Stadium, helping to snap Newcastle’s worrying five-match losing streak amid the pouring rain.

The Knights set the pace for their Magic Round clash against the Rabbitohs right from the outset, storming to an 18-point advantage within just 15 minutes.

But all eyes were on Sharpe during this early dominance, as he aimed to fulfill his birthday dream of scoring two tries in a dazzling performance for Newcastle.

The talented five-eighth celebrated turning 21 on matchday by diving over for two tries in a quick succession of eight minutes.

Kalyn Ponga executed a superb grubber kick into the in-goal area, allowing Sharpe to dash through the centre and score under the posts.

Sharpe followed this with another try just four minutes later, cleverly weaving past four Rabbitohs defenders to burrow over the line, setting up Ponga for an easy conversion from 10 metres out.

“What a birthday this is for the young man,” Cameron Smith remarked on Nine.

South Sydney struggled to find an answer for Newcastle’s attacking firepower, as Jack Cogger toppled over, extending the Knights’ lead to 30-4 in the 12th minute.

However, Newcastle’s momentum began to fade as the rain intensified, causing both teams to grapple with simple mistakes.

Bradman Best made a strong case for Origin selection as he combined with Ponga for a brilliant break down the sideline, making his way to the try line.

Yet, focus quickly returned to Sharpe, who received an offload from Best before dodging Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and planting the ball down again under the posts.

“The Knights are on fire!” exclaimed Andrew Johns.

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The Rabbitohs’ struggles continued when Isaiah Tass broke through Newcastle’s defence to score, but it wasn’t enough to change the game, leaving it at 30-4.

His efforts were overshadowed by injury concerns for his teammates, as both Jye Gray and Peter Mamouzelos were forced to leave the game.

Gray suffered a quad cork that sidelined him, while Mamouzelos appeared to injure his elbow during a tackle against Leo Thompson.

Nine’s Emma Lawrence confirmed that Gray’s hamstring injury was in the same spot that had troubled him the previous week against the Melbourne Storm.

“You’ve got to be cautious if it’s the same area,” Johns advised. “That could keep you out for a considerable time.”

Mamouzelos was seen being escorted to the tunnel by trainers, visibly in pain after grabbing at his right elbow.

Johns remarked that the severity of Mamouzelos’ injury presented yet another “injury concern for a key position” for the Rabbitohs.