The nib Newcastle Knights have gone down 22-20 to the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.
In a tight affair, the Knights fought valiantly to the end but couldn't find the elusive final try, defeated by two points.
The side will travel down to Sydney next week to take on the Bulldogs looking to bounce back.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
1st min - The match kicked off in front of over 21,000 Members and supporters in Newcastle on Thursday night.
5th min - The Knights were on the board first inside five minutes when Jackson Hastings sliced through the Roosters defence.
The No.7 threw a dummy close to the line, stepped another defender to score close to the posts and notch his third of the campaign.
Hastings slices through
13th min - The Knights were awarded a penalty from in front.
Kalyn Ponga slotted a goal to take the score out to 8-0.
16th min - The Roosters responded with their first try after winger Daniel Tupou scored in the left corner to reduce the Knights advantage.
22nd min - The away side hit the lead when Victor Radley scored under the posts. A midfield run from Brandon Smith led to a Luke Keary line break, and the halfback found Radley backing up in support.
31st min - The Tricolours extended their advantage when Brandon Smith scored their third of the game.
37th min - Newcastle were within two of the away side after Bradman Best scored on the stroke of half-time.
A strong run from Kai Pearce-Paul put the Knights on the attack before finding Kalyn Ponga in support. The fullback offloaded for Best who powered his way to the line.
Best powers over
40th min - The Knights trailed 16-14 at the break.
64th min - Following a grind and high completions from both sides to start the second half, the Roosters would score first in the second 40.
Tupou would grab his second of the game.
76th min - Adam Elliott set up a grandstand finish scoring underneath the posts for the Knights.
Elliott scores late
80th min - Kalyn Ponga made a late break from inside his own half but couldn't muster his way to the try-line. The Roosters would hold onto their advantage to claim the two points.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights will travel away next weekend to take on the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Sunday.
