Relentless goal-line defence in the first half has seen the Newcastle Knights hold out the Sydney Roosters 12-10 in a classic match to launch the 2024 NRLW season.
The Roosters fought back gallantly in the second half after trailing 0-10 at the half-time break to score the only two tries of the half, but were not able to convert their second try to force the match into golden point.
Highlighted as stars to watch before the game, Tamika Upton's creativity in attack and Jesse Southwell's commitment in defence were key cogs in the win, with the duo supported by an imposing effort from Caitlan Johnston-Green who provided plenty of big hits.
Knights defence came to play!
The Roosters put in an admirable display all match despite their pre-season injury setbacks and looked the good early, attacking the Knights line to dominate the start of the game. However they could not force their way over the line and were made to pay, with the home side making the most of their chances with two quick-fire tries to Olivia Higgins and Abigail Roach giving them their lead at half-time.
Olivia Higgins Try
New Knights coach Ben Jeffries had put a strong focus on improving fitness in the squad during the pre-season and it showed with the effort his side were able to put into their early defence which set the side up to strike later in the game.
The Roosters never went away however, with crafty playmaker Tarryn Aiken playing as halfback after spending the season at five-eighth last year, setting up her side's two second-half tries to nearly steal the game. The first came via Jocelyn Kelleher for their first try of the game with 12 minutes in the game to keep things interesting.
Her kicking game was on display again in the final minute of the match, putting through a kick for Jess Sergis to score in the final minute of the game. However, Kelleher was unable to convert, with the Knights just holding on for the win.
Jessica Sergis Try
Next week, the Knights head to GIO Stadium in Canberra to take on the Raiders on Saturday, while the Roosters will play host to the Broncos at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Match: Knights v Roosters
Round 1 -
home Team
Knights
5th Position
away Team
Roosters
6th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match Snapshot
- Knights halfback Jesse Southwell brought up 100 NRLW points in the game with her first conversion of the match.
- Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly was put on report in the first half for a dangerous tackle, while centre Jess Sergis was also put on report for a dangerous tackle in the second half.
- Knights five-eighth Georgia Roache left the field in the first half for a HIA which she passed.
- The Knights claimed an NRLW record 10 consecutive victories.
- The Roosters have won one of their four games in Newcastle.
- Knights fullback Tamika Upton has won 11 from 11 games she has played at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Listed as fullback, Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly played at five-eighth for the Roosters, with named no.6 Jayme Fressard playing more of the fullback role.
- Sam Bremner, who has come out of retirement to help with the Roosters depth, is expected to play in coming weeks.
Play of the Game
While it didn't win them the game, it definitely kept the game interesting and the Roosters in the hunt, with Jocelyn Kelleher chasing through on a Tarryn Aiken kick to score.
Jocelyn Kelleher Try
What They Said
Roosters
Roosters: Round 1
Knights
Knights: Round 1
