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.
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 Hunter 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.
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.
Initially denied when Parker was put into touch by an Isabelle Kelly high tackle, Olivia Higgins darted over from dummy-half following the ensuing penalty.
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.
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Well, that was a hell of a finish to get us started. Should be plenty of improvement in the Roosters but Newcastle looked very imposing with their defence - once again, they're the team to beat.
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Kelleher hooks the kick to the left and it's all over. Newcastle will hang on and claim victory in the first match of the season.
Aiken puts in a beauty of a grubber and Sergis flies through to claim the ball and score! Great play from Aiken and a classy finish from Sergis, it was early in the count but they were all over it. Great stuff. Can Kelleher convert and send us to extra time?
Predebon knocks on 40 metres out with 90 seconds left. Roosters will have one set to try and send us to golden point.
A high tackle from Sergis gives Newcastle the chance to take a converted try lead, Southwell has the shot from about 15 metres off centre to the left of the posts...and she makes no mistake. Not long to go now and the Knights lead 12-6.
Well, that was worth waiting for! Aiken chips ahead near halfway, Sergis pounces on the loose ball, Aiken backs up and finds Kelleher in support and she scores next to the posts. A brilliant team try and it sets us up for a big finish. Kelleher converts her own try and the game is on at 10-6.
An Upton error gives the Roosters yet another chance, surely they crack them this time? Right???
Wrong! Aitken goes for a big cut-out pass that never really hits the mark and the Knights hang on yet again.
Another test for the Knights, this time after Waterman puts down a bomb but the Roosters put it down through Kernick just two tackles later. They really can't get anything going at the minute.
A good run from Kelly forces a ruck penalty and they'll go back on the attack early. Stop me if you heard this before, but the Knights turn them away yet again - this time the highlight is a great trysaver from Clydsdale on Fressard before Gallagher produces a great effort to field Aiken's kick and get back to the field of play.
Halfway home - Roosters kick off and they have all the work to do.
This one'll be tough to beat - love a team celebration.
Another terrific Knights defensive effort to end the first half as Parker cuts down Strange when the Roosters centre looked certain to score! That's the story of the first half in one play, Newcastle's scramble defence has been fantastic as they've denied the Roosters time and again.
Waterman puts down a Roosters bomb and a penalty follows. They'll go on the attack really need one here - Kelly links with Strange down the left, Navidi goes for the corner but Gallagher pulls off a trysaver and knocks her into touch. Strong effort from the winger.
Upton at it again and again it's down the shortside. This time she gets it at first receiver, double pumps and goes short to Roache who scores! That's unreal from Upton, beautiful ball-playing, and a nice post-try celebration from the Knights as well - a boquet toss into a proposal. I'll dig the video up when I can. Southwell misses the kick but the Knights lead 10-0.
And in the end it's a very simple one - Higgins ducks over from dummy half, she caught Kelly overchasing out of marker and took advantage. Big play for the Knights, turning away the Roosters like that then striking down the other end.
Southwell nails the kick and it's 6-0 Knights.
Elliott gives away a penalty for a high tackle on Clydsdale and the Knights will get their first chance of the evening. A second penalty gets them right into the attacking 20.
And they waste no time getting over! After Upton and Southwell link down the left to nearly put Gallagher over, Upton doubles up down the shortside and puts Parker over! It's a close run thing with the sideline....and we'll go up to the Bunker.
They'll rule the Gallagher put the ball down as her leg hit the sideline, which is no try, but the Knights will retain the ball for Kelly's challenge in defence.
Another Knights error, this time from Gallagher, and the Roosters will get ANOTHER chance. Surely Newcastle can't hold them out again?
But they do! Aiken slides a kick through but Upton hits it on the run and gets back to the field of play. That's 15 tackles inside the Knights 20 for the Roosters for no result. A good kick from Southwell and a fine chase from Parker helps flip field position for the Knights on the ensuing set.
A nice shift down the left, with Kernick linking with Sergis, creates some ruck speed for the Roosters but despite some nice runs in the middle they can't crack Newcastle. Aiken has a shocker on the last with a total airswing, the Knights pick up the loose ball and they survive again.
Predebon throws a nice offload that creates some space for the Knights but Parker drops the ball with plenty of space in front of her. Newcastle's defence will be tested again.
An Upton error gives the Roosters possession on halfway and they get to work. Nasio has been impressive early and she has another strong carry, the Roosters rush it left but a pass goes to ground and Parker picks it up for the Knights. Another confidence boost for the home side.
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