Newcastle defeated the Gold Coast Titans 30-2 on home soil on Saturday, leapfrogging the Titans on the leader board to take 14th position.

Knights coach Rick Stone admitted after the team’s 36-22 loss to the Canberra Raiders in round 18, things were not looking good.

However, he hoped the prospect of finishing last and collecting the wooden spoon was ‘‘a worry’’ to the players and would motivate them to work harder.

The Knights players’ efforts were evident on the field on Saturday, as they scored three tries and two goals to lead 20-2 in the first half.

A Daniel Mortimer penalty goal in the 10th minute was the first (and only points) scored by the Titans.

Tries to Jarrod Mullen and Daniel Levi and a goal to Tyrone Roberts within the first 14 minutes of the second half sealed the victory for the Knights.

However, the team had to celebrate without centre Dane Gagai, who did not return after the half-time break as he was suffering an irregular heartbeat and had to be rushed to John Hunter Hospital.

Doctors gave him a controlled, mild electrical shock to normalise his heartbeat.

He was allowed to return home that night and reportedly told doctors on Sunday that he felt OK and was not suffering any chest pain.

Gagai was due to meet with a cardiologist on Monday as The Star went to print.

The Knights will play the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Saturday, July 25, at ANZ Stadium.