It’s been a tough start to the season for nib Newcastle Knights in the Jersey Flegg as the Roosters mustered a second-half rampage to secure a 30-16 point victory at Cessnock Sportsground.
NRL Nines star Simi Sasagi was one of the more notable names lining up for the Knights and his side were the first to notch points.
Winger Patrick Ahearn crossed over for the first try of the match out wide and it proved to be the only points of the half as the Knights held defended their slim lead.
With a tight 4-0 scoreline at the break, the second half spelled a much different story.
The Roosters turned the game on its head as they incredibly managed five unanswered tries over the course of 14 minutes.
First try of the half went to hooker Kobe Rugless and just minutes later he saw his backrower Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha extend their lead to 12-4.
Captain Coby Thomas scored a third for the visitors before Benjamin Mau grabbed one of his own from the interchange bench to solidify their strong lead.
Jack Mossman was the final try scorer for the Roosters as they held a 30-4 lead, but the Knights finished off strong with two tries in the last remaining minutes.
Lock forward Jaron Purcell scored the first, followed by a good effort from Dylan Lucas to add some consolation to the first-round defeat.
Next weekend the young Knights will travel to Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney to face off with the Wests Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
