The Sydney Roosters lead for the majority of the match but fell at the final hurdle going down 16-12 to the Newcastle Knights.
The Roosters led up until the 65th minute only to fall behind thanks to two quick tries.
A superb effort from Sonny-Bill Williams and Frank-Paul Nuuausala once again put the visitors in front only for a late try to seal the result for the Knights.
It was the captain who opened the scoring, a lucky bounce from a clever Friend grubber ended up in Minichiello's hands to make it 6-0 early on.
Maloney looked to have scored the visitors second after he dived on a ball in the in goal area after cleverly charging down a kick only for the video referee to rule no try.
A second efforts was again ruled no try by the video referee, this time an acrobatic effort from Tuivasa-Sheck was ruled to have been knocked on earlier by Minichiello.
The Tricolours continued to pressure the Knights line and once again had a try disallowed with Maloney ruled to be held up over the line.
The second half was a battle of attrition and the Knights were winning the battle, setting themselves up with a host of chances.
With twenty minutes left to play the home side finally crossed through Tyrone Roberts.
A clever interchange of passes in the middle of the field enabled the halfback to slide over and level the scores.
Obviously not pleased with the decision, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was sent to the sin bin for the way he questioned the referee.
With a full head of steam and an extra man the Knights lifted and a Willie Mason burst set up Roberts for his second, putting the home side in front for the first time on the night.
Waerea-Hargreaves returned to the field and the Tricolours scored off the next set.
Williams offloaded just before his arm hit the ground enabling Nuuausala to toe the ball forward and score to the right of the posts.
James Maloney slotted the conversion to put the Tricolours in front by two.
There was plenty of tension throughout the match and it finally boiled over when Friend pushed Beau Scott after the Knight continued to niggle and push the boundaries of fair play.
After receiving a penalty from the altercation the home side marched up field and scored with just two minutes to play.
A clever grubber from Roberts set up Joey Leilua to score the match winner.
