Mat Croker on scoring his first NRL try and rise at the Knights

BACK IN THE GAME: Knights forward Mat Croker beats Raiders players to score his first NRL try at GIO Stadium on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

WHEN Mat Croker slammed his hand into the turf after scoring his first NRL try against Canberra on Sunday, it wasn't because he felt any sort of personal satisfaction - it was because he felt Newcastle were back in the game.

A heart-on-the-sleeve type player, Croker crossed for his first four-pointer in the 55th minute with the Knights trailing 14-6 at GIO Stadium.