Newcastle opened the scoring through Dane Gagai, and extended through a penalty goal, before a controversial double to Sharks centre Jonathan Wright levelled the scores.
David Fa'alogo crossed for the Knights after 38 minutes but the Sharks started the stronger after the break, crossing through Beau Ryan. Carney added another but that was cancelled by Tyrone Roberts who scored just 10 minutes from fulltime.
Cronulla's Luke Lewis came up with crucial plays in the dying seconds of regulation.
Michael Jennings came back to haunt Penrith yesterday with two tries as the Sydney Roosters eased to a routine win over his former club at Allianz Stadium.
The NSW centre left the Panthers in the summer in an acrimonious departure from the club he'd been associated with since a schoolboy.
The Panthers more than held their own in the opening period after Jake Friend had opened the scoring in the fifth minute with James Maloney adding the extras.
Ivan Cleary's side grabbed a deserved leveller through rookie fullback Matt Moylan. However, the Roosters scored somewhat against the run of play when Sonny Bill Williams barged his way over.
Jennings' first try after the break knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and Maloney kicked a penalty to stretch the advantage before Jennings added his second.
Pearce added a fifth try 10 minutes from time as the Roosters consolidated their top-four spot.
Sharks 21
Knights 20
Roosters 30
Panthers 6
-AAP
