Newcastle Knights five-eighth Georgia Roche is confident the side’s defence will hold them in good stead throughout their 2024 NRLW campaign.

The dual premiers not only kicked off the season with a 12-10 victory over the highly-fancied Roosters in round one but displayed a resolute mindset to deny the Sydneysiders on multiple occasions.

They even kept NSW State of Origin centres Isabelle Kelly and Jessica Sergis quiet on the night, which is no mean feat.

But, that’s not to say Newcastle didn’t give new coach Ben Jeffries a bit of a scare either.

A Jocelyn Kelleher conversion failed to level the scores in the dying seconds, giving the hosts a nail-biting two-point triumph.

“It was good to get that first win under our belt,” Roche said.

“We made it tough for ourselves, however we got there in the end.

“I thought our defensive display, especially for round one, was super important.

“It showed we were willing to work for each other and for our fans in Newcastle.

“I believe we’ll only get better.”

The Knights next face the Canberra Raiders, who trounced the Wests Tigers 32-12, at GIO Stadium on Saturday 3 August.

“No game is easy in the NRLW,” 23-year-old Roche said.

“Especially, as we’re the defending premiers… everyone wants to take us out.

“I think, for us, it’ll be about limiting our errors.

“We probably gave away too much possession [against the Roosters].

“And, maybe, we lost a bit of focus in the second half.

“Fatigue was a factor, too.

“We defended for about 65-70% of the match.

“Canberra will be tough, so we’ve just got to play our style of football and do what we do best.

“If we limit our mistakes, and have more opportunities to attack, it’ll work in our favour.”

Despite suffering a head knock against Sydney, and undergoing a HIA, Roche is keen to partner up with Jesse Southwell in the halves again.

“It wasn’t an ideal situation,” said the English international who’s inked a five-year deal with the club.

“I think the replay made it look worse than it was.

“However, you just take it in your stride.

“We’re always prepared for all sorts of different scenarios; plus, we boast some very versatile players who can slot in anywhere on the field.

“For me, personally, it’s about building my combination with Jesse and the other girls in the middle and on the edge.

“That will make a big difference.

“We’ve now had a full pre-season under our belt but I definitely feel fitter and faster [than 2023].

“And, I believe, I have a lot more to give.

“From a team perspective, the main focus, for us, is defence.

“You know what they say, defence wins games.

“So, if we can keep displaying the sort of defensive effort, like we showed against the Roosters, I’m pretty confident we’ll go all the way.”

Meanwhile, youngster Lilly-Ann White will make her NRLW debut on the wing for the Knights, with Isabella Waterman moving to the bench.

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders

• GIO Stadium, Canberra
• (11am: Saturday 3 August)

• Newcastle Knights: 1. Tamika Upton, 2. Sheridan Gallagher, 3. Shanice Parker, 4. Abigail Roache, 5. Lilly-Ann White, 6. Georgia Roche, 7. Jesse Southwell, 8. Tayla Predebon, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Caitlan Johnston-Green, 11. Laishon Albert-Jones, 12. Yasmin Clydsdale, 13. Hannah Southwell; 14. Nita Maynard, 15. Kayla Romaniuk, 16. Rima Butler, 17. Isabella Waterman, 18. Jacinta Carter; 19. Viena Tinao, 20. Jayde Herdegen, 21. Jules Kirkpatrick, 22. Simone Karpani
• Canberra Raiders: 1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Madison Bartlett, 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti, 4. Mackenzie Wiki, 5. Shakiah Tungai, 6. Zahara Temara, 7. Ashleigh Quinlan, 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines, 9. Chanté Temara, 10. Sophie Holyman, 11. Monalisa Soliola, 12. Hollie-Mae Dodd, 13. Simaima Taufa; 14. Emma Barnes, 15. Grace Kemp, 16. Kerehitina Matua, 17. Sereana Naitokatoka, 18. Jaida Faleono; 19. Tatiana Finau, 20. Felice Quinlan, 21. Georgia Willey, 22. Relna Wuruki-Hosea

For more sports stories:

• ALW: Young Matilda Milan Hammond re-signs with Jets
• NRLW: Olympic gold medallist bolsters Knights’ stocks
• Multi-million-dollar upgrades to support women’s sport

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