The Serve

Burt hurt as Knights win easy

Brian Smith 1, Parramatta 0.

Newcastle’s landmark hiding of Parramatta had little to do with Brian Smith out-coaching Michael Hagan, and more to do with the visitors out-enthusing their more fancied opponents.

Parramatta hadn’t played for 16 days because of a bye, with lethargy an issue from kick off. Mitchell Sargent crashed over in the third minute in a sign of things to come. An opportunist try to Steve Simpson, started by a fluffed chip from Luke Walsh, was a warning sign

Newcastle played with energy and discipline, soaking any Eels attack with ease, breaking the game open in the 32nd minute, when Danny Buderus ran 40 metres from dummy half, before finding an open George Carmont to finish the movement. The Knights led 20-0 at the break.

The Knights have a history of late game fade outs, but any hope of a turnaround ended when winger James McManus crossed in the 47th minute, with Carmont grabbing his second try three minutes later. Those tries were scored as Eels fullback Luke Burt was contemplating his season ending, courtesy of medial ligament damage and a dislocated knee. The injury occurring when the ferocious Knights defence, led by Buderus, scurried to force Burt in goal.

“Very disappointing for him given how well he’s played for us.”, said Eels coach Michael Hagan.