Newcastle have shrugged off the loss of key personnel to virtually end Canberra’s NRL finals hopes by grinding out a see-sawing 30-24 victory at GIO Stadium.
The Knights’ injury list ballooned ahead of Sunday’s damp clash with centre Bradman Best and hooker Phoenix Crossland (both calf) ruled out, joining halfback Dylan Brown and second-rower Dylan Lucas on the sidelines.
But Newcastle (13-8), buoyed by celebrating Tyson Frizell’s 300th game, produced a fearless performance to solidify their position inside the top eight.
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The Knights may have more players to add to their casualty ward though, as Frizell hobbled off the field in the second half.
With the top four also in their sights, Justin Holbrook’s men are one step closer to completing a remarkable rebound after finishing with the wooden spoon last season.
While Newcastle flirt with a finals berth, the Raiders’ ambitions of playing finals footy have been effectively ended as they can no longer secure a winning record.
Unless a mathematical miracle occurs, Canberra (9-12) will become the first team since the Sydney Roosters in 2016 to miss out on finals the year after claiming the minor premiership, as they sit six points adrift of eighth-placed North Queensland.
The Green Machine’s loss was all but confirmed when Knights centre Dane Gagai was penalised with less than 10 minutes remaining metres from their own line, but the bunker overturned the decision because forward Corey Horsburgh struck Gagai.
With Newcastle ahead 26-24, Horsburgh was sent to the sin bin and minutes later birthday boy Dominic Young crossed for his second in the right corner to seal the victory.
Despite Newcastle scoring the first two tries, Raiders winger Jed Stuart intercepted a looping Kalyn Ponga pass and ran 70 metres in the 17th minute before Zac Hosking snuck over to level the contest.
The Knights hit back when Young tore down the right flank and gave the ball to a running Ponga.
Centre Simi Sasagi crossed twice while battling through a suspected arm injury either side of halftime to take the lead for the home team.
But Gagai capitalised on a blistering Young run, before the winger completed the victory in the 78th minute.
