Houston, we have a comeback
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday February 7, 2011
KNIGHTS coach Rick Stone said returning back-rower Chris Houston exceeded expectations in his first game of rugby league in almost a year. Playing for the first time since a pre-season trial against Penrith at Port Macquarie on February 27 last year, the one-time NSW Origin 18th man scored a try and played 50 minutes in Newcastle's 22-22 draw with New Zealand Warriors at Wingham Park, Greymouth. Played before a record crowd estimated at 6000, the Miners' Solidarity Day charity match was staged to raise funds and lift community spirits after 29 miners were killed at the nearby Pike River Mine last November."He played 50 minutes, and he was very busy," Stone said of Houston, who rejoined the Knights on a two-year deal on December 23 after being cleared in court of four drug-supply charges."His defence was good, he did plenty in attack and scored a try. He made a couple of errors, which you could put down to a little bit of rust, I suppose, but his attitude was good and his intelligence out there was impressive."Houston's try was the first of three for Newcastle in the final quarter as they rallied from a 22-6 deficit to share the spoils.Hooker Chris Adams and outside back Simon Williams crossed in the last four minutes to level the scores. Winger Peter Mata'utia missed a sideline conversion attempt after the siren to break the deadlock. Knights recruit Steve Southern suffered an ankle injury.
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald
