Newcastle have made an early statement in their pursuit of an NRLW title three-peat, putting up a red-and-blue brick wall to beat the Sydney Roosters 12-10.
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In a dramatic opening to the NRLW season, the Roosters fought back from 10-0 down late to make it 12-10 when Jess Sergis scored in the final minute.
But from just to the right of the posts, Roosters kicker Jocelyn Kelleher sprayed the ball past the left upright to leave the Tri-colours heartbroken.
In truth, the final score did not reflect how well the Knights defended at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.
It took the Roosters 72 tackles in the Knights' half to crack Newcastle's tryline late in the match, as the hosts repelled set after set on their own line.
Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton again showed her class at fullback for the Knights, while halfback Jesse Southwell was as good as anyone in defence.
Time and time again Knights defenders held on, as the Roosters attempted crash plays and sweeping movements to their outside backs.
Teenage halfback Southwell pulled off two on-the-line try-saving tackles, including one on rampaging prop Millie Elliott.
Upton stopped a charging Pani Hopoate, while Sheridan Gallagher forced opposing winger Taina Naividi out as she went over the line.
And the best was still to come, with Shanice Parker pulling down Jasmin Strange from behind within metres of the tryline right on halftime.
"They just kept repelling and repelling," Knights coach Ben Jeffries said.
"In the end it was two kicks they got tries off ... I could see other teams capitulating with the amount of the ball (the Roosters) had out there."
In contrast, the Knights didn't miss their chances.
After only having one tackle inside the Roosters' half in the first 20 minutes, Newcastle scored on their first attacking raid when Olivia Higgins darted over from dummy-half.
And Upton was again able to show her threat moments later, dummying long and passing short for centre Abigail Roache to cross.
In the end, it took something special for the Roosters to get on the board with 11 minutes remaining.
Desperately in need of points, Tarryn Aiken chipped ahead for Sergis from 40 metre out, and loomed up in support play before putting Kelleher over.
And after a Sergis high shot allowed Newcastle to kick 12-6 clear, the Roosters gave themselves a late hope when Aiken grubber-kicked early for Sergis to score.
That should have sent the match to extra-time, only for Kelleher to miss the conversion as Newcastle claimed their 10th straight win since early last season.
"I grabbed Joc at the end and told her I was really happy for her to put her hand up and take that goal," coach John Strange said.
"I'm all about someone putting their hand up and saying they will take it on."
Australian Associated Press
