Newcastle Sport

BNC burst out of the gates in its Newcastle Netball clash, but they were slowly reeled back in by Forsythes. It was third versus fourth, BNC was the higher-placed team on the ladder. The defining move coming in the second quarter, goal-shooter Sabine Gomboso crucial for Forsythes. Elsewhere today, Souths Lions absolutely dismantled a Wests-2 team, featuring only five of its regular players. Ladder-leaders Wests also posted a huge win, while Nova Thunder beat the Pride.

Former Knight Dylan Phythian has made his return to rugby league today, but he couldn’t help his ladder-leading Lakes against Souths. Elsewhere, Maitland thrashed the second-placed Kurri, while Central beat the Goannas.

WATCH: Women’s State of Origin Highlights: New South Wales v Queensland The New South Wales Blues have won the first official Women’s State of Origin match, beating Queensland 16 – 10 at North Sydney Oval. Isabelle Kelly scored with five minutes remaining to break the deadlock, and hand the Blues their third straight win over the Maroons. POST GAME: Queensland Press Conference POST GAME: New South Wales Press Conference

Former Knights player Dylan Phythian will make his rugby league return with Lakes United tomorrow, after serving a 12-week ban for a second positive drug test. Today the 22-year-old spoke candidly to NBN News about his mistakes – and his desire to return to the top.

The Newcastle Hunters men’s side goes into this weekend’s clash with Hornsby on top of the league. But players say, they aren’t paying TOO much attention to that. “A little bit, not really though.” Jacob Foy said. “More focused on the way we play and the way we do things, rather than the result we get, you know? We understand if we do things the right way and stick to the process, then at the end of the season the results will take care of themselves.” 18-year-old Jacob Foy is a star on the rise – he’s been playing in both the championship and youth teams, and will move to Hawaii in August to take up a college scholarship.

The first-ever women’s State Of Origin kicks off tonight. Two Novocastrians are taking part, and while they’ve taken dramatically different paths to reach rugby league’s biggest stage, they’re united in their passion for the Blues.

The Australian Ice Hockey season is heating up for the Northstars, with the ladder looking tight. But they’re ready to unleash a secret weapon – Canadian import Sammy Banga landed downunder today – and he’s ready to play this weekend.

It’s not the usual NRL curtain-raiser – but touch football is on the rise, and the Knights are keen to be a part of it. Their touch side will make its debut before Newcastle’s clash with the Bulldogs… and it could be a game-changer for the region’s 20,000 registered players.

The Lake Macquarie Squash Open is renowned for bringing some of the nation’s best players to the region – and this year is no different. A former Commonwealth Games star will headline the women’s event

Scorpion-kick king Riley McGree will return to the A-League next season, but it won’t be with the Newcastle Jets. The 19-year-old has instead signed a loan deal with the club he scored his incredible goal against – Melbourne City. McGree, who’s still contracted to Belgian heavyweights Club Brugge, says he’s heading south for the professionalism of City and its high-quality facilities. Newcastle did table an offer, but it’s understood it couldn’t match a club regarded as the richest in the league.