The nib Newcastle Knights NRLW side have been defeated 26-12 in their opening round clash against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
The competition newcomers proved too strong at home in the opening tussle running in five tries to the Knights two.
Newcastle will look to respond when they travel north to play the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville next Saturday.
How it played out:
The Knights opening round fixture for the 2025 season kicked off against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
It was a cagey opening to the match with both teams settling into a grind during the opening 15 minutes before British five-eight Georgia Roche sparked the game to life.
Roche dummied her way through the line to power her way over for the Knights first try of the season.
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Roche gets our first of the year
In her first match as Captain, Yasmin Clydsdale was leading from the front with damaging runs against the Dogs defence. Yasmin would finish the half with just over 100 run metres.
The home side would hit back in the 29th minute for their first try in the competition through Moana Courtenay to reduce the score to 6-4.
Canterbury-Bankstown hit the lead on the stroke of half-time with Ash Quinlan grabbing their second giving the Knights some work to do in the second half.
The Bulldogs were again on the front foot to start the second half and produced two quick-fire tries off kicks in the 48th and 51st minute through Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa and Moana Courtenay.
The red and blue worked their way back into the contest with Botille Vette-Welsh notching her first try in the colours to reduce the deficit to 22-12.
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Vette-Welsh gets her first in red and blue
However, Quinlan would post her second try of the night to extend the Bulldogs lead and confirm the result.
What's next:
The Knights will play the North Queensland Cowboys next start at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday.