A two-try performance from forward Mathew Croker has inspired the Newcastle Knights' Jersey Flegg side to a 36-26 win over the Sydney Roosters.
After suffering their second loss of the season last week with a 36-30 defeat to Mounties, the Knights muscled up to regain form in an exciting, free-flowing game.
The Knights wasted little time posting first points following a determined run from lock Tevita Alifa who crashed under the posts.
In his first game in the starting side, Ben Talty added his named to the try scorers list after wrong footing the Roosters' defence.
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With moment in favour of the home side, Croker scored his first of the day courtesy of a short ball from Matthew Moon.
Kurtis Dark slotted the goal to push the lead out by 18 before the Roosters hit back through Jackson Fry.
Sam Verrills split the defence through the middle to spark an attacking raid which finished in a try to Kenneth Koro.
The try reduced the score line to 18-10 before Dark crashed over in a solo effort.
Croker started the second stanza in style when he carried three men across the line to extend the lead by 20 points.
A left-foot step from Starford To'A saw the centre add his name to the try-scorers list before the Roosters mounted a comeback with 15 left on the clock.
Treymain Spry carried five Knights on his back as he snuck over in the corner but his next try was much easier when he slid in untouched five minutes later.
Fletcher Baker charged across from close range with seven minutes remaining to reduce the score 34-26 as Nash Birch limped from the field.
With time running out, a penalty in front of the posts saw Dark wind down the clock and secure a 10-point victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Match Summary
Knights 36 (Tries: Alifa, Talty, Croker 2, DarkTo'A. Goals: Dark 5)
d Roosters 26 (Tries: Fry, Koro, Spry 2, Baker. Goals: Pompey 1, Frei 2)
