Under immense pressure to regain traction after an initial solid start to the season, the Knights charged out of the starting blocks at Hunter Stadium.

Newcastle was in control for much of the first half, cleaning up the Tigers’ mistakes.

The first try came from James McManus, who benefited from a nicely worked backline shift from teammate Dane Gagai.

Tigers penalties continued to help Newcastle’s cause, and by half-time they led by six points.

Their fortune flowed into the second half to remove any doubt against the home side.

Rookie Chad Redman scored with three minutes left on the clock to seal Newcastle’s victory.

The 22-year-old Western Suburbs Rosellas junior was called upon to wear the red-and-blue after regular dummy-half Adam Clydsdale was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Post-match, Knights coach Rick Stone said he was pleased the club gave it 110per cent in front of more than 15,000 supporters.

‘‘We talked about the average fan coming in, paying his $200 to be a season ticket holder and what he would expect from [the game],’’ Stone said.

‘‘He would’ve expected vitality and some real desperation out of the boys so hopefully that’s what we gave.’’

The Knights are now ninth on the 2015 NRL ladder.

They will host the Brisbane Broncos on Monday, May 25, at Hunter Stadium.