Video highlights: Warriors thrash Knights 50-14 in NRL

(Photosport)
(Photosport)

By Sam Ackerman

It was the David Fusitu'a show in Newcastle as the Warriors put together their first back-to-back wins in more than two months in a 50-14 crushing of the Knights at Hunter Stadium.

Fusitu'a's become the 7th Warrior to score four tries in a game in a break-out game for the powerful right winger, hot on the heels of his impressive effort against the Broncos last weekend.

Taking on the worst defence in the NRL, the Warriors took full advantage of their opponent's reputation with nines tries and their first time past 50 points for the season.

Albert Vete's opening try after 4 minutes was originally called no try by the on-field referee for obstruction but was given the green light by the video bunker.

A well-crafted backline passing exchange from Shaun Johnson and Tuimoala Lolohea saw Fuistu'a make his first dent on the scoreboard. But the two architects of that try were at fault nine minutes later, eating consecutive left hand fends from Sione Mata'utia as the Knights scored.

A deflected Johnson kick landed fortuitously for the Warriors and set Manu Vatuvei in motion for his first NRL try in over 2 months.

New signing Brendon Elliot scored what would be the Knights last try of the match, before a slick no look pass from dummy half Issac Luke in his 200th NRL game saw Bodene Thompson score from close range to guide the Warriors to a 22-14 halftime lead.

The wooden spooners would rue a blown chance in the 48th minute, when prop Daniel Saifiti dropping the ball cold. One minute later, Fusitu'a started what would be a blistering 10 minute spell.

His now trademark dive within inches of the corner flag was utilised in quick succession to bring up his first career hat-trick, before Fusitu'a finished off a 60 metre team effort to pick up his fourth.

He couldn't join former blockbusting wing Francis Meli in the five-try club, but Solomone Kata and Vete with his second try brought up a well deserved half century.

The biggest concern for the Warriors was Vatuvei coming off early in the second half with a torn hamstring, while Johnson was given an early exit with a corked quad.

The Warriors will look for three consecutive wins for the first time this season against the Roosters at Mt Smart next Sunday.

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