Knights launch ambush
PAGING Mr Hastings.
Manly may be left with no choice but to recall banished five- eighth Jackson Hastings after rookie No. 6 Lachlan Croker suffered a potential season- ending knee injury in a shock 18- 12 loss to Newcastle last night.
Croker hurt his left knee nine minutes before halftime and failed to return.
It’s a shattering blow for the Goulburn- born half, who is now facing his third serious knee injury. Of greater concern for the salary cap restricted Sea Eagles, it leaves the club with 22 top- grade players to select from an original squad of 28.
This could force Manly to select Hastings, who last week was dropped to the NSW Intrust Premiership because teammates refused to play with him.
The ex- Dragons and Roosters playmaker had been shopped around for an immediate release, but may find himself answering an SOS from Manly. All eyes will now be on Hastings, who lines- up for Blacktown against Canterbury at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday from 3.15pm.
The disappointing loss to Newcastle heaps futher pressure on the under- siege Sea Eagles, who have endured a forgettable fortnight.
From player disharmony to poor off- field behaviour, serious question marks hang over the proud club’s culture.
Newcastle, though, deserve full praise for a win that ends their nine- game losing stretch at Brookvale Oval dating back to 2006.
Star fullback Kalyn Ponga was brilliant for the Knights. Ponga set- up the match- winning try for winger Nathan Ross with four minutes remaining, while he ran for 128 metres.
The six- point victory is more impressive when you consider the Knights are without prized off- season recruit Mitchell Pearce due to a pec injury.
Newcastle have now beaten the Sea Eagles twice this season. In last night’s other game the Penrith Panthers downed the Bulldogs 22- 14, with Penrith overcoming a 12- 8 halftime deficit. SHARKS coach Shane Flanagan has finally found his spine at Cronulla and now he’s warning they’re ready to fire.
For the first time this season, the 10th- placed Sharks will carry the same spine into two consecutive matches – with Josh Dugan ( pictured) at fullback and Matt Moylan at five- eighth against the Gold Coast tonight.
The Sharks’ spluttering attack enjoyed their best game of the season in last week’s upset win over Penrith, putting on a season- high four tries in the win and completed at just shy of 80 per cent.
“I think we will see the best of them over the next couple of weeks,” Flanagan said.
“Josh gota coach’s award from all the coaches and Matty Moylan had a hand in all the tries.”