The Newcastle Knights have spoiled the return to the SCG party for the Sydney Roosters, handing them a convincing 20-6 defeat and restricting the glamour club to just one try in their NRL season opener.

The Knights scored four tries themselves and if it hadn’t been for a late four-pointer to Penrith recruit Paul Momirovski, it would have been a complete humiliation for Trent Robinson’s men on Saturday afternoon.

The Roosters were supposed to be a force to be reckoned with following the return of several stars after long-term injuries – half Luke Keary, outside back Joey Manu and Origin forward Lindsay Collins.

But, the Knights didn’t get that memo and played classy and committed football for a deserved win. 

“You don’t win the premiership in round one but it was important to get off to a good start against quality opposition,” Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien said.

There’s no need to panic by any means as the Roosters have made the finals the past five years despite losing in the first round three times, including in 2018 and 2019 when they won the premiership.

However, it was a mixed afternoon for the Roosters, especially for versatile lock Victor Radley.

He was placed on report for a crusher tackle in the 23rd minute and then went off in the 25th minute for an HIA after independent doctors on the sideline raised alarm bells. 

Radley had tackled Knights five-eighth Jake Clifford head-on and initially stayed out on the field.

But, doctors said he soon displayed obvious symptoms of concussion.

With centre Billy Smith failing his HIA in the 53rd minute, the Roosters were down to 15 men. 

The Sydney faithful were out of their seats early when James Tedesco sailed over the line in the 10th minute, but the bunker ruled a Connor Watson obstruction.

The Hunter fans were on their feet when Dane Gagai – returning to the club he spent six seasons with before a stint with South Sydney – strolled over unmarked for the Knights’ first try.

“The addition of Dane was massive,” Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga said.

A fend and flick pass from Bradman Best put his wingman Enari Tuala over for the Knights’ second, and the supporters were screaming once more.

It was 10-0 and Newcastle were swarming like bees around the Roosters. 

A Sam Walker penalty just seconds before the break avoided the embarrassment of a scoreless half for the Roosters to start their 2022 campaign.

However, there was more opportunistic football from Newcastle when a wayward pass between rival forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sio Taukeiaho went to ground. 

Clifford was there to scoop up the loose ball and race 40 metres to score under the posts.

His conversion giving the visitors a 16-2 lead.

The Roosters weren’t able to capitalise on the Knights being reduced to 12 men when Phoenix Crossland was sin-binned for a professional foul for holding back Walker. 

Winger Daniel Tupou did get close in the left corner but the touchline and the defence of his opposite Dominic Young ended any hope.

Then minutes later it was Young’s attack – an aerobatic leap just shy of the corner post – that gave the Knights their fourth try and put the match beyond doubt.

Momirovski scored his consolation try for the Roosters with four minutes left on the clock. 

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