Reynolds return from injury helps Magpies to victory

Josh Reynolds made a successful return from injury on Saturday, helping the club's Canterbury Cup side to a surprise 30-22 upset win over the Newcastle Knights at St. John's Oval.

Having not won since their memorable win after the siren against the Knights back in Round 14, Western Suburbs were forced to come from behind after a slow start before Reynolds and halfback Jock Madden hit their mark in the second half to ensure the Magpies would bounce back in to the winners circle.

The victory keeps Wests' hopes at a finals finish alive — now just one point outside the top eight with a bye next week before they face Blacktown in Round 21.

Tries to Mitchell Andrews and Jacob Saifit had the Knights in front early on before, similarly to the NRL side, a flurry of points before the break would see Wests hit the sheds with a lead courtesy of tries to Robert Jennings, Jacob Liddle and Madden.

Jirah Momoisea would level the match shortly after half-time, but a second half double to Kane Bradley would ensure the visitors controlled the up-paced contest.

A late try to up-and-coming centre Tommy Talau would put the result beyond doubt with five minutes to play, with the Magpies emerging with a 30-22 victory in the end.

Robbie Rochow was impressive up front with a team-high 45 tackles in 65 minutes while Liddle also racked up 100 metres and a try along with his 44 tackles.

Western Suburbs' backs all finished with impressive running totals, with Dylan Smith (189 metres), Jennings (179 metres) and Talau (126 metres) leading the way.

The Magpies will have the bye in Round 20 before returning to action the following weekend against Blacktown Workers, who sit bottom of the Canterbury Cup ladder.

Western Suburbs 30 (Bradley 2, Jennings, Liddle, Madden, Talau tries; Madden 3/6 goals) def. Newcastle Knights 22 (Andrews, Saifiti, Momoisea, Marks tries; Lino 3/4 goals) at St. John's Oval