Overview

• Newcastle overturned a 16-0 halftime deficit to beat Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 26-22 in golden-point extra time, capped by Kalyn Ponga’s match-winning try.
• Head coach Adam O’Brien publicly apologised after saying that fans who booed at halftime “don’t know anything about rugby league.”
• Winger James Schiller endured vile online threats, including a life-threatening direct message, after his early errors in the match.
• The club referred the abusive messages to the NRL’s Integrity Unit and is working with its welfare department to support Schiller.
• Second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul has signed a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers, joining them ahead of the 2026 season.