The Match in Brief
The Knights came out firing in the first half, posting a dominant performance and going into the sheds with a 24–12 lead. However, inspired by a strong performance from captain James Tedesco, the Roosters kept Newcastle scoreless in the second half and ran in a succession of impressive tries to win 38–24.
First Half — Newcastle’s Moment
Fletcher Hunt was the standout in the opening 40 minutes, completing a first-half hat-trick — his first in NRL — with Francis Manuleleua bursting through the middle to set him up for the third. The Knights went into the break leading 24–12, with the Roosters’ defence in the middle of the field coming under significant pressure.
Second Half — Tedesco Takes Over
For a third consecutive game, the Roosters trailed at halftime only to claw back to victory. Tedesco was the architect of the second-half domination — former NSW captain and State of Origin hopeful — stepping inside ex-teammate Dom Young to score himself, grubbing through for Hugo Savala, and throwing a quick pass from a scrum play to put Nawaqanitawase away for the first of his two tries.
Robinson’s Quiet Message — Ten Words That Defined the Night
After the game, Robinson described Tedesco in glowing terms to his playing group: “It’s not sometimes, it’s not most of the time. It’s always.” Southern Cross Ten words. No fuss. Just a quiet, firm acknowledgment of what separates elite from exceptional.
Robinson publicly lauded Tedesco as “incredible,” noting that All Blacks legend Israel Dagg, who was a guest at the game, said it was amazing to watch Tedesco live — and Robinson added that whenever a play has to be made, Tedesco is always there.
Key Performers
- James Tedesco (Roosters) — try scorer, try creator, second-half general
- Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters) — two tries in the second half
- Hugo Savala (Roosters) — two tries
- Fletcher Hunt (Knights) — hat-trick in the first half, plus two try-saving tackles
- Sam Walker (Roosters) — scored first after the break to cut the deficit to 24–18
The Bigger Picture
It was also a night of storylines — former Roosters players Sandon Smith and Dom Young, along with ex-assistant coach Holbrook, faced their old club for the first time since departing. The reunion didn’t go their way.
