Newcastle Knights star Connor Watson crunched by brutal 'bone-rattler'

The Gold Coast Titans had plenty to play for against Newcastle with a spot in the finals on the line, and a brutal tackle highlighted their sensational effort on Thursday night, despite a narrow 15-14 defeat.

Just before half-time Newcastle playmaker Kalyn Ponga was looking dangerous inside Gold Coast's territory and he threatened to put Connor Watson through the defensive line to score with a stinging pass.

However Watson couldn't quite handle the huge pop of the dual hit from Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika and spilled the ball.

"Bang! Mo Fotuaika with a bone-rattler. Road kill!" Nine commentator Peter Psaltis said during the broadcast, impressed by the crunching tackle.

"There's players down everywhere!" Queensland legend Paul Vautin added.

"Like a Watson sandwich - they just creamed him."

Unfortunately as a result of the tackle Watson was left a little worse for wear, and needed some medical attention before gingerly walking away.

The Titans took a 12-6 lead into half-time however they were unable to hold off Newcastle in the second half