The Sunday afternoon double of the NRL 2026 Round 5 delivered high-scoring drama and a significant shift in momentum for two home sides. The Newcastle Knights finally exorcised their home-ground demons with a commanding victory over the Canberra Raiders, while the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks maintained their clinical form to dispatch a struggling New Zealand Warriors outfit.
For the Knights, the result was more than just two competition points. it was a psychological breakthrough. By securing a 32-12 win at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle snapped a seven-game losing streak on home soil that had plagued the club since Round 15 of the previous season. Under the guidance of coach Justin Holbrook, the Knights are beginning to defy their 2025 form, establishing themselves as one of the most dangerous units in the early stages of this campaign.
Meanwhile, the Sharks continued their ascent with a 36-24 victory at Ocean Protect Stadium. Coming off a dominant Round 4 performance in Canberra, Cronulla proved too cohesive for a Warriors side that appeared disjointed and wounded. The New Zealand side entered the clash already missing Mitch Barnett due to a broken thumb, and they left the Shire with further concerns regarding their medical list.
Knights break the hoodoo in Newcastle
The victory for the Knights was built on a foundation of aggressive wing play and a dominant middle. Dom Young was a constant threat, scoring a double that put the result beyond doubt. His partnership with Greg Marzhew proved lethal; Marzhew not only scored two tries of his own but also covered a game-high 239 metres, stretching the Raiders’ defense to the breaking point.
The match began with the Raiders showing attacking intent, taking an early 6-0 lead through a try by right centre Simi Sasagi, who supported a sharp break from five-eighth Ethan Strange. However, the momentum shifted as Newcastle began to capitalize on Canberra’s errors. The Knights’ resurgence was sparked by a “bang-bang” sequence of points, including a fortunate try by Fletcher Sharpe after a perfectly weighted kick from Sandon Smith.
A pivotal moment occurred in the 43rd minute when a successful captain’s challenge from the Knights resulted in Raiders player Tamale being sent to the sin bin for impeding Dom Young. Newcastle wasted no time exploiting the numerical advantage, with Young leaping over in the right corner to ignite a scoring run that left the visitors reeling.
The win was not without cost for the home side. Star player Bradman Best was forced from the field with a groin strain and did not return after the interval, opening the door for Wilson De Courcey to make his NRL debut. The Knights’ resilience was further highlighted by Phoenix Crossland, who scored a try despite playing through a gruesome nose injury sustained the previous week.
Sharks outclass disjointed Warriors
At Ocean Protect Stadium, the Sharks demonstrated why they are considered genuine contenders, though the Warriors provided flashes of individual brilliance. The standout performer for the visitors was Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who managed a hat-trick despite being on the losing side. His most spectacular contribution was a 90-metre intercept try, plucking a Braydon Trindall pass from the air and sprinting clear.
Despite the early brilliance of Watene-Zelezniak, the Sharks’ systemic pressure eventually wore the Warriors down. Halfback Nicho Hynes was the architect of the attack, providing three try assists. He was supported by centre KL Iro, who was a force in both attack and defense, recording a try, a line break, and nine tackle breaks. Fullback Will Kennedy also played a starring role, crossing for a double.
The Warriors struggled with discipline and ball security, a point emphasized by coach Andrew Webster during the match. While New Zealand managed a late penalty try after the Bunker ruled that KL Iro had pushed Erin Clark in the back, the damage had already been done. The Sharks’ ability to turn defense into attack—exemplified by a quick transition that led to Iro’s try—proved to be the difference.
The injury toll and late mail
The Sunday double was marked by a concerning number of injuries, particularly for the New Zealand Warriors. Luke Metcalf, who had only just returned from an ACL injury, was forced to leave the field with a hamstring injury. The Warriors also lost Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Sam Healey to Category 2 HIAs.
The Sharks also faced setbacks, with centre Jesse Ramien suffering a reported MCL injury that will require scans. Forward Briton Nikora was also sidelined for the remainder of the game following a Category 2 HIA.
| Match | Final Score | Significant Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Knights v Raiders | 32-12 | Bradman Best (Groin), Xavier Savage (Lower Leg) |
| Sharks v Warriors | 36-24 | Luke Metcalf (Hamstring), Jesse Ramien (MCL) |
In terms of late mail, the Knights’ decision to start Phoenix Crossland at hooker paid dividends, while the Raiders’ return of forward leader Josh Papalii provided some stability in the middle, though it wasn’t enough to stop the Newcastle onslaught.
The results of Round 5 leave the Knights in a strong position to equal their best start to a season since 2015, while the Sharks have solidified their status as a dominant force at home. The Warriors, conversely, must now address a growing injury list and a lack of cohesion if they are to recover their season.
Official updates on the status of Jesse Ramien and Luke Metcalf are expected following medical scans early next week. Fans can follow further developments and the full Telstra Premiership ladder via the official NRL website.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Round 5 results and the current form of the Knights in the comments section below.
