Knights 13 Titans 12

RUSSELL SMITH, eh? The Englishman has been criticised, ridiculed and abused for taking an eternity to make his video referee decisions this season, with his only saving grace being that he seemed to get most of them right.

Last night he reached his quickest verdict of the season, only to cough up what most observers believed to be a howler. It cost the Titans dearly.

It was the 20th minute and nil-all. Knights centre Wes Naiqama jumped high to take a bomb from halfback Jarrod Mullen and gave the distinct impression of having knocked it on. At least once. Smith took a relatively short look at it and the crowd did not expect a favourable ruling when they looked up to the big screen.

It came up "TRY". For a moment, you could hear a pin drop. Then wild applause accompanied by the kind of laughter you get when someone has made a clanger. The Knights led 6-0.

Titans coach John Cartwright told a press conference he thought the call was 50-50, but later told The Sun-Herald: "OK, it was more like 80-20, but I just didn't want to sound like a whinger. It came off his [Naiqama's] hand, basically. It was the fastest decision [Smith's] ever made."

The Knights were up 12-0 when Smith and referee Gavin Badger conspired to award an equally dubious try to Titans half Scott Prince.

Prince dived to score, but landed just short. His momentum took him over the line, but it appeared he had lost the ball. Smith ruled "Ref's Call" and Badger gave the Titans a crucial four-pointer in the 61st minute.

Badger then infuriated Cartwright with what the Titans mentor called a "game-breaking decision", penalising the visitors for holding Matt Hilder in the 78th minute.

"I don't know, it's too hard," Knights coach Brian Smith said of the contentious rulings.

The Knights went into the game without inspirational hooker Danny Buderus, sidelined with a case of being knackered. Smith was so proud of winning without him that he spoke of the Knights gradually getting back their fighting spirit.

"Every player in that squad earned my respect tonight," Smith said.

Mullen was impressive in his return from a three-week lay-off, but brushed aside any talk of becoming an Origin contender.

NEWCASTLE 13 (J Mullen W Naiqama tries K Gidley 2 goals J Mullen field goal) bt GOLD COAST 12 (M Minichiello S Prince tries S Prince 2 goals) at EnergyAustralia Stdm. Referee: G Badger. Crowd: 21,280.