A fast start from the nib Newcastle Knights ultimately wasn't enough, with Ben Jeffries' side beaten 46-16 by the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Played in pristine conditions, the Knights dazzled the sold out crowd by racing to a 16-4 lead early in the contest, before the Broncos eventually found their groove to storm back into the game.
How it played out:
With a healthy crowd rolling in for the first of two massive games at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Knights dominated the early proceedings.
Just nine minutes into the contest, Sheridan Gallagher latched onto an incredible ball from Botille Vette-Welsh to open the scoring for the home side.
Gallagher opens the scoring
Just six minutes later, Tiana Davison extended the Knights lead, surging through a hole close to the line to make the score 10-0.
Mele Hufanga and Georgia Roche added four pointers for their respective sides, before the visitors truly took control of the contest.
Shalom Sauaso and Kerri Johnson each scored to bring the margin back to two points, before a try to Hayley Maddick gave Brisbane the lead on the stroke of half time.
Roche storms over
It was more of the same in the second stanza, with Lauren Dam, Tamika Upton, Romy Teitzel, Julia Robinson and Maddick adding to the scoresheet as the contest well and truly got away from the Knights.
What's next:
The Knights will next travel to Cronulla for another Double Header against the Sharks, before returning home to face the Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 10.
Tickets to that game can be purchased by clicking here.
