Frustrated Sydney Roosters' captain Braith Anasta accused his side of not putting in as the 2010 NRL grand finalists crashed to an undermanned Newcastle on Sunday.

Content to put most of their horror season down to poor execution rather than lack of effort, Anasta finally broke after the 18-10 Ausgrid Stadium capitulation against a Knights side fielding their fifth- and sixth-choice halves.

"It's probably the first time this year I can actually say I was a little bit disappointed in our performance, and I don't think we played like a team that was do-or-die or must-win," Anasta said.

"That was a little bit disappointing for me.

"All year, we've really put in a hundred per cent every game and just sort of couldn't come out on top but not through lack of effort.

"I just think today we just probably let ourselves down. There's no doubt about that."

Coach Brian Smith could only agree when asked about the attitude.

"That might be a word you'd use, I suppose," Smith said.

"Consistency was probably more the thing that concerned me.

"We just didn't keep at it."

The Roosters look more like they are in battle for the wooden spoon with Canberra and Gold Coast than a side vying for a finals spot, sitting 14th and two wins outside the top eight after a performance lacking any signs of desperation.

"It's going to be a challenge and a test of character for us for the rest of the year," Anasta said.

"It doesn't get any easier and time's running out.

"We just want to start winning games and start performing well.

"It will just show what sort of character we've got as a team and as individuals from here on."

The Knights lost captain Kurt Gidley (hamstring) before kick-off, but the Roosters had their own injury concerns, which only became worse with impressive young forward Boyd Cordner needing to have scans on an ankle.

Their Todd Carney-led charge to last year's decider seems a distant memory, as the Dally M medallist continues to struggle to recapture his best form, again showing only glimpses of his talent.

More bad publicity over the off-field antics of suspended recruit Anthony Watts, who is facing assault charges, was another unwelcome distraction.

While the Roosters' season lurched again, Melbourne moved two points clear at the top of the table with a 16-8 win over the Warriors in Auckland.

The Storm can again be joined by Manly if the Sea Eagles down St George Illawarra on Monday night at the revamped WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Penrith responded to new coach Steve Georgallis with a 30-20 win over high-flyers North Queensland.

The most relieved man in the NRL would be Canterbury coach Kevin Moore after his side moved back into the top eight with Friday night's hard fought 16-6 win over Wests Tigers.

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