Jocelyn Kelleher's miss costs Roosters on full time as Knights start title defence with victory

The Newcastle Knights have started their title defence in the best possible fashion, defeating the Roosters at home but were lucky to not play golden point.

Roosters star Jocelyn Kelleher had a kick to level it up on full-time but missed and delivered a 12-10 win for the Knights.

"Late drama in the Hunter," commentator Peter Psaltis said on Nine's coverage.

READ MORE: LA Olympics in jeopardy over China doping case

READ MORE: Medal hope treated for injury after Teahupo'o wipeout

READ MORE: Matildas to kick off Olympic campaign with tough clash

After a stalemate in the first 20 minutes, Dally M medalist Tamika Upton worked the short side and looked like she'd put Knights winger Shanice Parker over for the first try of the season.

However, the Bunker ruled her foot touched the line simultaneously with her putting the ball down. Newcastle got the ball back though after Isabelle Kelly was put on report for high contact on Parker.

A minute later, hooker Olivia Higgins scooted over to score the first try of the season.

Newcastle were then leading 10-0 in the 26th minute when Abigail Roache scored after a double pump from Upton.

Watch the 2024 NRLW premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

The score stayed the same at half-time and it wouldn't be until the 58th minute when the next try was scored.

This time it was Kelleher, finishing off a beautiful chip and chase from the Roosters.

With only minutes left in the match, Jess Sergis was put on report for a high tackle, gifting two points to the Knights to make it 12-6.

However, the Roosters weren't done as Sergis scored right on full time after a Tarryn Aiken grubber.

Kelleher then had the chance to send it in to golden point with a kick just metres to the right of the upright.

The Roosters forward hooked it to left in a devastating ending for her side, as the Knights started a new era under coach Ben Jefferies with victory.

Post-game, Knights star Yasmin Clydsdale wasn't pleased with her side's second half.

"I'm not happy with that finish, that finish is not our standard and we definitely need to improve on that going forward in the season," she told Nine.

"... We need to get out of our end, finish the sets, we need to get to our kicks and I don't think we did that in the second half and the Roosters really capitalised on our mistakes."