Sydney Roosters utility Mark Riddell says this weekend's NRL clash with Newcastle is a must-win game for his struggling team.

The Roosters were beaten 18-4 by the Sharks on Sunday and have slumped to 14th on the ladder, with just two wins from nine games.

Riddell says the club's poor start to the season made this Saturday's match against the ninth-placed Knights critical.

"As the weeks go by we know we have to start winning footy games and get ourselves back up near the top eight," said Ridddell.

"It starts this weekend and so this is a very important game for us."

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