The Knights crossed first but the Roosters are ahead in the second half, with superstar Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga in some serious discomfort.
Ponga is playing through the pain after suffering a hip-flexor injury around the 20th minute, but he looks a shadow of himself.
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After getting dropped earlier in the season, Knights halfback Jackson Hastings scored the first try of the match in his second straight game since returning after crossing in the sixth minute.
It came after some soft defence from the Roosters and strong lead up work from Adam Elliott who created the initial break.
The Roosters then inexplicably let the shot clock expire for a dropout and Newcastle booted a gift two points in front of the posts.
But the visitors hit back with veteran winger Daniel Tupou crossing out wide and Victor Radley made it a second in the 23rd minute.
Roosters star Brandon Smith then caught Newcastle’s defence napping and scored the easiest of tries after some very soft defence from the hosts.
Against the run of play, Knights’ English import Kai Pearce-Paul bulldozed three defenders before finding Kalyn Ponga who puts Bradman Best over to score just before halftime.
MATCH CENTRE: Knights v Roosters, teams video, stats
MATCH PREVIEW
The Knights are looking to make it nine wins in their past 10 games at home when they host an injury-ravaged Roosters.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien hasn’t made any changes to the team that thrashed the Dragons last week.
However, Greg Marzhew is getting closer to returning from a wrist injury and could be a late inclusion after being named on the extended bench.
The Roosters squad was decimated in a brutal clash against the Bulldogs last week with James Tedesco and Sam Walker both out this week with concussion.
Joey Manu is the new fullback and Luke Keary shifts to halfback while Connor Watson a surprise selection in the no. 6 jersey.
In game 300, Michael Jennings will start in the centres while Fetalaiga Pauga replaced Dom Young (suspended) on the wing.
Nat Butcher is back in the side and he’ll start in the second row while hooker Zach Dockar-Clay will make his Roosters debut via the bench.
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