Match Details
Match Date	7th Jun, 2008
Opponent	Newcastle
Result	Loss 12-22
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Andrew Ryan
Venue	Homebush (ANZ Stadium)
Crowd	9,565
Referee	Sean Hampstead

A controversial no-call by referee Sean Hampstead and two tries to debutant Junior Sau proved crucial as Newcastle beat the Bulldogs 22-12 in their NRL match at ANZ Stadium.

The result kept the Knights in finals contention but delivered a potentially fatal blow to the aspirations of the injury-ravaged Bulldogs.

The match hinged on events in a critical two minute period in the second half with the Knights clinging on to a four point lead at the time.

Bulldogs captain and second rower Andrew Ryan scrambled over the top of Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen to score what appeared to be a legitimate try in the 54th minute however, Hampstead obviously believed Mullen grounded the ball first, as he didn't even refer the critical incident to video referee Bill Harrigan.

Newcastle capitalised on their good fortune to score a try just two minutes later, when Sau finished off a breakout move to score his second try.

Knights veteran centre Adam McDougall wrapped up the points with a 68th minute try after Chris Bailey pounced on a loose Bulldogs pass near halfway.

Trailing 22-6 the Bulldogs scored a consolation try 12 minutes from full time when fullback Nick Youngquest crossed.

The home team's massive injury list which already includes star player Sonny Bill Williams, possibly got another addition with Matt Utai limping off with a knee problem near the end.

A sixteenth minute converted try to Utai put the Bulldogs back on level terms after winger James McManus crossed for the Knights after just three minutes.

Sau gave Newcastle a 10-6 halftime lead with his first top grade try after some slick handling set up the youngster.

Source: AAP 

LINE UP