The nib Newcastle Knights have gone down 12-8 in a grueling encounter against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Roosters scored two late tries to defeat the Knights, following a spirited and gutsy performance from a youthful red and blue outfit.
With 11 of the 17 players emerging from within the pathways system, the resolute Knights side would endure defeat as the side prepares for a road trip to Perth next start to take on the Dolphins.
How it played out:
The match kicked off on Saturday night in front of our Members and supporters.
Newcastle were off to a brilliant start putting points on the board first inside five minutes. Dylan Lucas broke through the Roosters defence putting the Tricolours on the back foot before a quick shift to the left allowed Kyle McCarthy to dive over the line.
The try was the young centre's first in the top grade to give the Knights an early 6-0 lead.
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McCarthy scores his first in the NRL
The Knights were up for the fight demonstrated by a last-ditch tackle by Mat Croker on a runaway James Tedesco to keep the Roosters at bay.
Furthermore, the red and blue were completing their sets to a high percentage in the opening half sitting at just under 80% to finish the first 40.
Newcastle would take their 6-0 lead into the change of ends following a grinding style of match in the opening 40.
Continuing the trend of the first half, the match continued to be a grind with both forward packs going toe-to-toe for field position.
Brock Greacen entered the field of play in the second half to become Knight No.361.
The Knights were awarded a chance to extend their lead. Dane Gagai converted a penalty goal to extend the margin to eight points after Fletcher Hunt was taken out in pursuit of a kick.
Shortly after a disallowed try by James Schiller in the corner, the away side were next to score to set up a thrilling finish.
James Tedesco provided an offload for Salesi Foketi and the forward ran 40 metres and beat Fletcher Hunt at the back to score.
As the rain started to pour at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Roosters hit the lead with eight to play. Siua Wong won the race to the ball after a James Tedesco kick into the in-goal.
Newcastle through plenty of effort at the Roosters try-line but couldn't come up with the decisive try as the away side took the two points.
What's next:
The Knights will travel to Perth next Saturday for a clash against the Dolphins before returning home for Beanie for Brain Cancer Round against the Raiders on Friday June 27.
