Giant-killing Knights through to VB NSW Cup decider

NEWCASTLE has a chance to salvage something from a wretched rugby league season wreckage after defeating Mounties 30-26 in the VB NSW Cup preliminary final.

They had an anxious final few minutes as the minor premiers came storming home, but eventually booked their place alongside Wyong at Pirtek Stadium next Sunday from 4pm.

Halfback Jaelen Feeney was the star, scoring a first half hat-trick as the Knights added this year's minor premiers to a list of finals scalps which already included Manly.

Image: Ian Reilly: Click here for more.

The boot of George Ndaira proved the difference between the two sides after he kicked three goals to Mitch Cornish's one which gives the side a chance to right some wrongs of last year when they were routed 48-12 by Penrith.

Last week they gained some revenge for last year by accounting for the Panthers and Feeney said motivation was high to send retiring forward Clint Newton out with a premiership.

The 20-year-old general made the transition from Holden Cup to the NSW Cup this year and felt he had handled it well so far.

"It's my first year in NSW Cup so to take boys to the grand final along with Newto the workhorse for the club and for our team is unbelievable. I can't wait for next weekend," he told Fox Sports.

"It's tougher and stronger and you're playing with a lot of experienced guys; the step up is big but I think I've handled it alright," he said.

The giantkilling red-and-blues raced out to an early 10-0 lead through tries to Feeney and winger Honeti Tuha on their way to a 22-8 lead at the break.

Feeney had three tries by halftime and centre Kerrod Holland scored a double including a 60-metre intercept effort in the 74th minute which proved the difference.

They withstood a fast-finishing Mounties side who closed to within four points with 16 minutes to go and again with three minutes left on the clock, but they wouldn't relinquish the lead.

Feeney said they would go into next week's match against the Roos confident despite a 28-26 loss in July.

"We're definitely confident," he said.

"They pipped us by two earlier in the year so we'll go in with a lot of confidence knowing we can get the job done."

Newcastle Knights (30)
Tries: J Feeney 2, H Tuha, J Feeney, K Holland 2
Goals: G Ndaira 3

Mounties (26)
Tries: M Cronan, S Mills 2, J Hawkins, M Cornish, B Lee
Goals: M Cornish 1