The nib Newcastle Knights have gone down 18-16 to the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Having produced a spirited second half performance, the Knights couldn't get over the line with the Roosters holding onto their two point margin.
Both teams scored three tries each with a sole penalty goal the difference in the end.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT
1st min - The match kicked off in beautiful sunny conditions and in front of 21,966 Members and supporters at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Both teams shared a minutes silence and wore black arm bands in memory of the lives who were lost in the Hunter bus tragedy.
3rd min - The Knights started fast posting the first try of the game.
Kalyn Ponga picked up where he left off from last game bursting into the back field before finding Dom Young in support.
Ponga break sets up Young
8th min - Nat Butcher scored under the posts for the Roosters as the away side hit back.
15th min - The Roosters extended their lead when Joseph Manu went himself to score the away side's second.
24th min - Dom Young looked to have had a second but the try was overruled by the Bunker after a knock-on in the lead up.
39th min - The Roosters almost had their third with last gasp Knights defence stopping Drew Hutchinson over the line.
Ponga denies Hutchison
From the ensuing set, the Roosters kicked a penalty goal to take an 18-6 lead into the change of ends.
55th min - The Knights were back in the game after a brilliant set move down the right hand side.
Quick hands had Dane Gagai sprinting into the clear and the centre drew the fullback in to free up Dom Young for his second of the game.
Ponga and Gagai combine to send Young in
69th min - Bradman Best set up a grandstand finish.
The centre produced a runaway 80-metre effort to score under the posts and bring the Knights fans to their feet.
Best goes 80 metres
79th min - The Knights threw plenty of effort and attack at the Roosters, but couldn't crack their defence as the away side held onto their lead.
WHAT IS UP NEXT
The Knights will travel away to play Penrith Panthers next Saturday at BlueBet Stadium.
