The win was an inspiring show of character after their 36-10 whipping by the Cowboys the previous week.

It was all-the-more impressive considering the Knights were without State of Origin representatives Kurt Gidley, James McManus and a casualty list that read Adam McDougall, Steve Simpson Ben Rodgers and Ben Cross.

Newcastle showed great commitment in defence early in the game, holding the Bulldogs out as they attacked the Newcastle line for three consecutive sets.

The Knights then opened the scoring on their next set when Richard Fa’aoso crashed over under the posts and Wes Naiquama converted after eight minutes.

The try came from a 20-metre Mullen pass that found Naiquama’s chest in open space; the winger looked like going all the way before being tackled metres from the line.

The Bulldogs couldn’t regroup in time though, and Fa’aoso crashed over on the next play.

The Knights took an 8-nil lead when Naiquama kicked another two after Ennis was penalised for a high shot on Tufua.

Newcastle terrorised the Bulldogs in the first half as they made easy metres up the middle.

Their second try came when Mullen threw a dummy before giving it on to Back-rower Zeb Taia who went through a yawning gap before drawing the fullback and passing to half-back Scott Dureau who scored under the posts.

Mullen taunted defence with dummy passes and a bull’s eye kicking game in the first half.

The Bulldogs came close on a couple of occasions in the first 40 minutes but were diffused by strong Newcastle defence.

The Knights lost rookie fullback Shannon McDonald late in the first-half when he came off after copping a knee in the head from Bulldogs fullback Luke Pattern.

A subsequent reshuffle saw Naiquama moved to fullback with back-rower Zeb Taia going to the centres.

The Bulldogs finished the half strong and had a try to Jamaal Idris disallowed by the video referee.