Mitchell Pearce has continued his confident form ahead of this month's State of Origin series as Sydney Roosters climbed into a top-eight spot on the NRL ladder thanks to a 24-6 win over Newcastle.
The NSW halfback scored one of his side's four tries and played a part in their three others to put a disappointing Knights to the sword at Allianz Stadium.
Brian Smith's side dominated the first half but failed to find a way through some excellent line defence from the Knights, who were without the injured Kurt Gidley and Danny Buderus.
Despite being encamped in the visitors' half in the first period, it was the Roosters who fell behind in the 31st minute when Jarrod Mullen darted over to score from his side's first genuine attack.
However, the Roosters hit back four minutes before halftime when Tinirau Arona got his fingertips to a clever grubber-kick from Pearce, with Braith Anasta's conversion levelling the scores.