Dane Gagai and Starford To’a Sin-Binned Amid Fiery Melee as Knights Endure Dismal Defeat to Tigers

A heated skirmish between former Knights centre Starford To’a and Dane Gagai injected some energy into an otherwise uneventful match as the Tigers continued their impressive upward trajectory.

In the 53rd minute, To’a delivered a bone-rattling tackle that flattened Gagai, who retaliated with a gentle shove while on the ground.

Unhappy with the contact, Gagai responded, leading to a brief exchange of pushes before several other players got involved.

Referee Gerard Sutton then sent both players to the sin-bin, with the Tigers ahead 14-0 at that point.

“(They’re off for) igniting something significant,” Billy Slater remarked on Nine.

With the extra space on the pitch, the Knights briefly came to life when Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew fashioned a line break just two minutes later.

However, on the next tackle, Kalyn Ponga attempted to evade the Tigers’ defence but was unable to convert the opportunity.

“This crowd is itching to cheer … they’ve been utterly bored to tears with all the dropped ball,” Brad Fittler commented after the attack fell flat.

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The first try in Newcastle came in the 18th minute when Sunia Turuva extended his try-scoring streak.

To’a then managed to score himself, forcing his way through a weak Newcastle defence.

Frustration for Knights fans escalated as Jahream Bula grubbered behind the defensive line, catching Kalyn Ponga slightly off guard to make it 14-0.

“The Knights are struggling to keep up today,” Andrew Johns said despondently.

The Knights’ woes continued as Adam Doueihi slotted a penalty goal following the sin-bins. He then scored a try while Gagai and To’a were cooling their heels on the sidelines.

Newcastle did receive a stroke of luck with just four minutes left when the Tigers had a try ruled out. Tallyn De Silva initially looked to have scored until the Bunker intervened.

Following a drop from Greg Marzhew on the wing, Turuva was adjudged to have obstructed the play by pushing Bradman Best into the action.

Both Billy Slater and Andrew Johns voiced their dissent regarding the decision.

A small consolation arrived for the Knights in the dying seconds when Fletcher Sharpe grubbered off a scrum. Turuva fumbled the ball, allowing Sharpe to chase down his own kick for a try. Ponga’s conversion attempt went astray, with the final score ending at 20-4 in favour of the Tigers.