Cessnock's heartbreaking loss secures Kurri Kurri fifth spot on Newcastle Rugby League ladder

The Goannas were up 8-0 at half-time and looked like pulling off a major upset against Westerns Suburbs at Harker Oval on Sunday.

But the Rosellas staged a second-half comeback, scoring two tries and holding the Goannas scoreless.

It was a cruel blow for the Goannas who could have forced a play-off for the semi-finals when they host Kurri Kurri at the Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.

The Bulldogs accomplished their part of the semi-final mission with a dour 26-22 win against Central Newcastle.

Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said there had been a lot of pressure on his team, but they stood up to the challenge and got the win.

“Centrals took it right up to us. They were very physical and it certainly wasn’t a pretty game, but we got the two points,” he said.

“It’s been a turbulent couple of weeks, but they stuck to what was needed on field and I’m really proud of what we have achieved.”

The Bulldogs got further good news with star player Terence Seu Seu playing a full reserves game and expected to be fit for first grade next week.

They are also expected to welcome back Knights NSW cup players Ryan Walker and Mick Steel.

The only concern is whether Cory Holman will have any consequences to face at the judiciary after being sin-binned with 12 minutes to go.

“It’s over to Cessnock now. Whatever the result we have to turn up ready for a big game,” he said.

“There’s some more twist and turns to come before we can start planning, but we’ve done what we had to do today.

“It wasn’t really pretty, it was a bit of struggle.”

Williams said Ethan Niszczot, Ben Wyborn, Brock Gilmour and Tyme Dow-Nikau were the Bulldogs’ best.

First Grade

Kurri Kurri 26 def Central Newcastle 22

Kurri Kurri Scorers - E Niszczot, J Griffiths, K Hardy, T Dow-Nikau, C Holman.  Goals - E Niszczot 3.

Central Newcastle Scorers - C Anderson 3, B Calder. Goals - B Calder 3.