Game Summary
The Roosters struck first in just the fifth minute when Tom Rodwell crossed on the right edge, finishing a crisp backline move that showcased what would become their primary attacking weapon all afternoon.
The Knights hit back to level at 6-all through a fortunate try to Assu Kepaoa in the 23rd minute, the result of a mishit kick from Tyson Gamble that took a favourable bounce and was gathered close to the line.
What followed was a see-sawing first half that appeared destined for a tight contest, with the score 6-4 in favour of Newcastle as late as the 30th minute. But the Roosters exploded with four tries in the space of eight minutes to storm to a 20-6 half-time lead, with Ben Johnson and Fetalaiga Pauga crossing in a devastating purple patch that left the Knights shell-shocked.
The second half began with Newcastle showing some fight, trimming the deficit to 10 points through James Schiller's eighth try of the season in the 55th minute. But just as the Knights threatened a comeback, Pauga crossed for his second of the day to restore a 16-point buffer and effectively end the contest.
The Roosters continued to take advantage of unforced Newcastle errors in the final quarter, with Egan Butcher crossing for a double in the last five minutes as the Knights lost their composure entirely. Butcher's second try came directly from a wild Newcastle kick that gifted the Roosters possession 10 metres out.
Toby Rodwell finished the day kicking five from seven conversions as the Roosters ran out 38-10 winners. The victory lifts Sydney to third on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup table, their highest position since returning to the competition in 2023.
The result leaves Newcastle at five wins and two losses after what had been a flying start to 2026. This was a chastening afternoon for the Knights, who now slip back on the NSW Cup table.
Talking Points
Tom Rodwell was the standout performer. Third in the competition for run metres and fifth for post-contact metres, he set up multiple tries, scored himself, and produced a game-saving tackle to stop Wilson De Coursey from scoring what would have been a momentum-swinging try in the first half.
Marcus D'Acre, the Hong Kong-born former Vegas Combine winner, was lively again for the Knights. Having scored in each of his previous three games, he showed plenty of touches and carry.
The Roosters' right-edge attack was virtually unstoppable in the first half. The combination of Reece Foley, Tom Rodwell, and Owen Flaherty proved devastating and was the primary reason Sydney turned a tight contest into a commanding half-time lead.
Key Moments
With Newcastle trailing 4-6 and pushing hard on the Roosters' line midway through the first half, Wilson De Coursey broke the defensive line and looked certain to score. Tom Rodwell sprinted from the opposite side of the field to haul him down short of the try-line. It was the turning point of the match.
What's Next?
The Roosters, now sitting third on the ladder, will look to consolidate their finals push and maintain their new position inside the top five. The Knights, despite remaining in the top half of the table at five wins and two losses, will regroup ahead of their next assignment knowing that several areas — particularly ball security in the final quarter will need to be addressed.
