The Brett Jarrett-coached Tigers lost their fourth round Andrew Johns Cup clash 26-16, their fourth successive loss in the Country Championships.

However, the young side showed their continued improvement was lined with some tigerish effort.

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The Tigers fought back from a 14-4 deficit 17 minutes into the match to lead 16-14 early in the second half.

However, the young Tigers made some crucial errors in attack and then failed to find touch from a relieving penalty that would given them the chance to assert some authority.

Instead, Newcastle took their chance and the Knights forwards rolled over the Tigers. Tries to Jacob Marshall and Chase Morris regained the lead and their eventual 10-point win.

The Tigers crossed for four tries in the loss. None of them were converted which also hurt their winning chances.

While disappointed with the loss, Jarrett thought his players "were great".

"I couldn't have been prouder of their effort," he said.

"That missed penalty was costly but overall their effort was great. They all played with spirit."

For the second week in a row second-rower Logan Spinks received the game ball for his wholehearted performance.

Halfback Callum Dowell also earned special mention from his coach.

"Callum was great today," Jarrett said.

"Logan, Seb Lawler and Brady Roser also had big games, Brady played the whole game."

His side now plays Western Rams at Farrer's John Simpson Oval in Tamworth this Saturday.

"We're put of contention but it should be a good contest," Jarrett said.

"Hopefully we can snag a win. That would be good for the boys."

ANDREW JOHNS CUP

Round 4 - Baddeley Park, Cessnock.

NEWCASTLE MAITLAND KNIGHTS 26 (George Beagen, Lauma Vaai, Harper Collins, Jacob Marshall, Chase Morris tries, Tyrese Gordon 3gls) d GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS 16 (Drewe Gilbert 2, Talon Harrington, Callum Dowell tries).