As it happened: Knights slay Raiders; Sharks outpoint Warriors
As it happened: Knights slay Raiders; Sharks outpoint Warriors
The 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership delivered a sensational double-header on Sunday afternoon as the Newcastle Knights continued their incredible resurgence by dismantling the Canberra Raiders, while the Cronulla Sharks displayed clinical precision to outpoint the New Zealand Warriors. In a round that shifted the momentum of the top eight, Newcastle fans were treated to a masterclass at McDonald Jones Stadium, watching their side defy early-season expectations to secure a dominant 32-12 victory. Meanwhile, in the Shire, Cronulla overcame significant injury blows to hold off a spirited Warriors comeback, eventually finishing as 36-24 winners in a match defined by high-octane attacking play and brutal defensive exchanges.
In Round 5 of the 2026 NRL season, the Newcastle Knights defeated the Canberra Raiders 32-12, led by try-scoring doubles from wingers Dom Young and Greg Marzhew. In the other Sunday afternoon fixture, the Cronulla Sharks beat the New Zealand Warriors 36-24, with Nicho Hynes providing three try assists while Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored a hat-trick in a losing effort. Both matches were marred by injuries, with Newcastle's Bradman Best and Cronulla's Jesse Ramien among the notable casualties.
Newcastle Knights Continue Their Resurgence Under Justin Holbrook
The transformation of the Newcastle Knights under coach Justin Holbrook has been one of the standout narratives of the 2026 season. Coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, many pundits had written off the Novocastrians. However, their Round 5 performance against last year's minor premiers, the Canberra Raiders, proved that the Knights are genuine contenders. The side played with a level of discipline and tactical awareness that has been missing in recent years, focusing on a power game through the middle that allowed their star wingers to shine.
From the opening whistle, the Knights looked like the hungrier side. Despite an early period of end-to-end football where both teams tested each other's defensive mettle, it was Newcastle who capitalised on field position. The home crowd was in full voice as the Knights went into the half-time break with a 10-6 lead, a margin that perhaps did not reflect the level of control they exerted over the contest. The second half was a different story, as the floodgates opened and the Raiders struggled to contain the speed and power of the Newcastle backline.
Dom Young and Greg Marzhew: The Powerhouse Wingers
The Knights' victory was built on the incredible production of their wingers, Dom Young and Greg Marzhew. Dom Young, the English speedster, was a constant threat on the right edge. His ability to leap over defenders and his sheer pace in the open field were on full display as he crossed for two crucial tries. His first came in the 44th minute, capitalising on a one-player advantage while Canberra's Sosefo Tamale was in the sin bin. His second, in the 77th minute, was the final nail in the Raiders' coffin, a 60-meter sprint following a brilliant flick pass from fullback Fletcher Hunt.
On the opposite wing, Greg Marzhew was equally destructive. Known for his tackle-busting ability and post-contact meters, Marzhew ran for a game-high 239 meters, a staggering statistic that highlighted his workload. He also claimed a double, with his second try in the 69th minute coming from a perfectly weighted Fletcher Sharpe kick. Together, Young and Marzhew have become the most feared wing pairing in the NRL, providing the Knights with a multi-faceted attacking threat that is incredibly difficult to plan for.
Canberra Raiders Struggle for Consistency
For the Canberra Raiders, the 32-12 loss was a sobering reminder of the challenges of the 2026 season. Ricky Stuart’s men started the match with plenty of attacking intent and actually scored the first try of the game, but they were unable to maintain that kinetic rhythm. Errors in their own half and a failure to deal with Newcastle’s high-ball pressure proved costly. The Raiders completed at a respectable 85 percent, but they were outclassed in the contact area, particularly in the second half when the Knights’ forward pack, led by Jacob Saifiti, took control.
The loss was compounded by a late injury to Xavier Savage, who had to be helped from the field with a lower leg injury. While the Raiders showed glimpses of their potential, such as Ethan Strange’s quick try from a short kick-off in the 71st minute, they lacked the sustained intensity required to overcome a Newcastle side playing with ultimate confidence. The Green Machine will need to find a way to shore up their edge defense if they are to remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Sharks Outpoint Warriors in PointsBet Stadium Thriller
In the later afternoon kick-off, the Cronulla Sharks hosted the New Zealand Warriors in a match that promised plenty of points and delivered exactly that. The Sharks, coming off a dominant performance in Canberra the week prior, were looking to cement their place at the top of the ladder. They started strongly, with halfback Nicho Hynes pulling the strings and creating space for his outside backs. The Sharks eventually secured a 36-24 win, but the scoreline hides just how close the Warriors came to snatching a victory in the second half.
The Warriors, despite missing key players and losing Luke Metcalf to a hamstring injury mid-match, refused to go away. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was a man possessed, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to keep the visitors in the contest. His acrobatic finishes and high-energy play were the highlight of the Warriors' performance. However, the Sharks' ability to score points in bunches proved to be the difference. Every time the Warriors threatened to close the gap, Cronulla found another gear, often through the brilliance of Hynes or the power of Sifa Talakai.
Match Summary and Key Statistics Table
To better understand the flow of the afternoon, the following table compares the key outcomes from both Sunday fixtures. These statistics highlight the dominance of the Knights and the high-scoring nature of the Sharks' encounter.
| Metric | Newcastle Knights vs Raiders |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 32-12 |
| Top Try Scorer | Dom Young & Greg Marzhew (2 each) |
| Total Run Meters (Knights) | 1,845m |
| Completion Rate | 92% (Newcastle) |
Nicho Hynes: The Architect of Cronulla's Attack
Nicho Hynes once again proved why he is considered one of the premier playmakers in the NRL. Against a Warriors defense that scrambled well, Hynes remained patient, using his kicking game to build pressure and his vision to exploit gaps in the defensive line. He finished the game with three try assists, including a beautiful grubber for Teig Wilton and a long ball that set up Sifa Talakai in the corner. Hynes' ability to control the tempo of the game was crucial, especially during the periods where the Warriors were gaining momentum.
His partnership with Braydon Trindall is continuing to evolve, with both halves sharing the playmaking duties effectively. Trindall’s running game complemented Hynes' ball-playing, forcing the Warriors to stay honest in the middle of the field. While Hynes was the star of the show, the contribution of the Cronulla forward pack cannot be overlooked. They provided the platform for Hynes to work his magic, consistently winning the battle for the gain line and ensuring the Sharks had plenty of play-the-ball speed.
Warriors Resilience Despite Injury Setbacks
The New Zealand Warriors may have left the Shire without the competition points, but they earned plenty of respect for their performance. Playing at PointsBet Stadium is never an easy task, and doing so while losing your star five-eighth to a hamstring injury is even harder. Luke Metcalf’s injury was a cruel blow, particularly as he had only recently returned from an ACL reconstruction. Without Metcalf, the Warriors’ attack became somewhat disjointed, yet they still managed to put 24 points on a very good Sharks defense.
Coach Andrew Webster will be pleased with the effort, if not the result. The Warriors’ ability to stay in the fight, spearheaded by captain Tohu Harris and the electric DWZ, suggests they will still be a major player in the 2026 finals race. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also showed flashes of his best, providing a strong presence at the back and helping to spark several attacking raids. If they can get their injury list under control, the Warriors remain one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.
The Impact of Sunday's Injury Ward
While the football was of the highest quality, both games came at a significant cost in terms of player availability. The Newcastle Knights lost star center Bradman Best to a groin strain during the half-time break. Best has been a cornerstone of the Newcastle attack, and his absence will be felt if he is sidelined for an extended period. His replacement, Wilson De Courcey, made his NRL debut and looked comfortable, but replacing a player of Best’s caliber is a tall order for any club.
In the Cronulla camp, the concern is centered around Jesse Ramien. The center suffered what appeared to be an MCL injury and is set for scans. Ramien has been in career-best form, and his power on the right edge is a vital part of the Sharks' game plan. Additionally, the Warriors' Luke Metcalf will be sweating on the results of his hamstring scans. With the Origin period approaching, these injuries could have far-reaching consequences for both the clubs and the representative arena.
Conclusion
Round 5 of the 2026 NRL season has officially confirmed that the Newcastle Knights are no longer the cellar-dwellers of the league. Their dominant 32-12 win over the Raiders was a statement of intent, showcasing a balanced attack and a resolute defense. Simultaneously, the Cronulla Sharks proved they have the depth and the mental toughness to win high-scoring shootouts, outpointing a resilient Warriors side 36-24. As the competition moves toward the middle third of the season, the form of players like Dom Young and Nicho Hynes will be pivotal. Fans can look forward to more high-stakes rugby league as the race for the top eight intensifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the final score of the Knights vs Raiders game in Round 5, 2026?
A1: The Newcastle Knights defeated the Canberra Raiders 32-12 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Q2: Who scored the most tries for the Knights against the Raiders?
A2: Wingers Dom Young and Greg Marzhew both scored two tries each in the victory.
Q3: What was the score in the Sharks vs Warriors match?
A3: The Cronulla Sharks won the match 36-24 against the New Zealand Warriors.
Q4: Which key players were injured during the Sunday Round 5 matches?
A4: Bradman Best (Knights, groin), Xavier Savage (Raiders, leg), Jesse Ramien (Sharks, MCL), and Luke Metcalf (Warriors, hamstring) all suffered injuries.
Q5: How many try assists did Nicho Hynes record against the Warriors?
A5: Nicho Hynes recorded three try assists in the Sharks' 36-24 win.
As it happened: Knights slay Raiders; Sharks outpoint Warriors
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