Knights complete Pre-Season Challenge with strong showing against the Roosters

The Knights have wrapped up their final trial match of the Pre-Season Challenge with an impressive showing against the Sydney Roosters at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on Sunday.

The majority of the red and blue's first grade squad gained valuable game time ahead of the start of the 2025 campaign on March 7.

The final score ended up 48-10 in favour of the Knights.

Early in the match, Roosters forward Spencer Leniu was sent to the sin-bin for a high shot on Phoenix Crossland.

The Knights went on the attack and struck first in the third minute with Jacob Saifiti crossing over from close range following a bullet short pass from Crossland.

Five minutes later, Fletcher Sharpe showed his scintillating speed to run 70 metres to score untouched.

Following an error from the Roosters, Greg Marzhew pounced on the ball and managed to offload to Sharpe in support, who ran the length to improve the Knights early advantage.

The Knights had a good spell of possession in the opening 15 and were awarded a penalty try to extend the lead when Jacob Saifiti was ruled to have been taken off the ball in the attempt to score.

In the opening 20, the stats reflected the Knights share of possession with 10 tackle breaks to the Roosters three along with 181 post contact metres.

Daniel Tupou bridged the deficit for the Roosters scoring in the corner to make the score 18-4 after 17 minutes.

In his new role at five-eighth, Fletcher Sharpe continued to impress after a slick backline move saw the Cessnock junior post his second of the game.

The Knights capped off a strong opening 40 with two tries in quick succession.

Jayden Brailey showed his determination to burrow over from dummy-half before some ad-lib footy saw Dylan Lucas break into the back field and find Kalyn Ponga in support.

The red and blue head went the sheds leading by 32.

The Knights resumed the second half and reclaimed the ascendancy gaining field position early.

Tom Cant powered his way to the try-line to bolster the Knights lead and move past the 40 point mark.

Coach Adam O'Brien made several changes midway through the second half with a host of young and emerging players earning an opportunity.

Young fullback Fletcher Hunt produced a classic try-saver on a much bigger man in Dom Young.

Connor Votano showed a glimpse of his speed with a runaway try with nine minutes to play.

The match culminated with the Roosters scoring a late consolation try to Sandon Smith.

Attention turns to Round 1 on Friday March 7 with the Knights to kick off their season playing away to the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.