Stephanie Hancock 'embarrassed' by Gold Coast's showing as side goes down to Newcastle

Gold Coast veteran Stephanie Hancock says she was "embarrassed" by her side's performance as opportunities went begging in a loss to Newcastle.

The Knights defeated the Titans 16-12 in an extremely physical contest under the lights at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking after the match, Hancock told Nine's Darren Lockyer she was disappointed as the Titans were forced to fight their way back into the match after trailing by 10 points at half-time.

READ MORE: Coach's fury as Souths accused of 'bending rules'

READ MORE: US Open's parting gift for retiring Serena

READ MORE: Penalty chaos in Belgian Grand Prix qualifying

"I'm embarrassed about the first half, to be honest," she said.

"And the second half still had a lot of errors.

"I don't think the coach is going to be very happy.

"Our completion rate was better than theirs in the first half, so no excuses.

"They were a much better football team than we were today."

Hancock scored the Titans' second try - and the only points of the second half - but still thought her efforts fell short.

Stream the NRL and NRLW premierships 2022 live and free on 9Now.

"It doesn't really mean much when you're in a losing footy team," she said.

The Knights had the match on their terms from the beginning as they capitalised on mistakes from the Titans.

First-try honours went to Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly after Newcastle went on a tear down the right edge.

Tamika Upton starred for the Knights, racking up 240 metres and scoring a try, but the Newcastle recruit was assisted from the field in the closing stages after a dangerous tackle from Zara Canfield.

After reviewing the contact, the Bunker marched Canfield to the sin bin.

Players who made their State of Origin debut as teenagers

Players who made their State of Origin debut as teenagers