Blue and red, never dead. The Newcastle Knights emerged from a week of drama to shock defending premiers Sydney Roosters 16-12 at Hunter Stadium on Friday night, registering one of the most courageous wins in their 27-year history.
Man of the match Tyrone Roberts scored two tries and his grubber kick in the 79th minute created the matchwinner for former Roosters centre Joey Leilua.
Before kick-off, NRL chief executive Dave Smith presented Knights coach Wayne Bennett and injured captain Kurt Gidley with a cheque for $1.4million to be forwarded to the Rise For Alex Foundation.
The money was raised during the NRL's Rise For Alex round of matches last weekend and at affiliated fund-raisers for injured Knights forward Alex McKinnon.