Canberra have staged another great escape to beat Newcastle 29-25, a miraculous try to Jordan Rapana in golden point the difference as the Raiders closed in on the NRL’s top four.
Down 22-0 just before halftime, the Raiders looked destined for an unthinkable loss to the competition cellar-dwellers at GIO Stadium on Sunday.
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But four unanswered tries – including a double to skipper Jarrod Croker – in the final 41 minutes of regular time set them up for a grandstand finish in front of 9,731 fans.
Locked up at 24-24 with less than five minutes remaining, five-eighth Blake Austin kicked what looked to be the match-winning field goal inside the final 90 seconds.
But the Knights regained possession from a short kick-off and captain Trent Hodkinson replied moments later with a field goal of his own to send the game to golden point.
It’s the second time this season the teams have played beyond the 80 minutes, having drawn 24-24 in round three.
On that occasion there were seven missed attempts at a field goal, but there were only four on Sunday.
The last wayward kick was by Austin, on which Rapana – who injured his shoulder earlier – somehow pounced to score and seal the victory.
It was the Raiders’ fifth win in the past five games and puts them just one point outside the top four.
For the last-placed Knights it marks their 10th successive loss. They’ll have a much-needed bye next week while the Raiders host North Queensland next Monday.
Bruce
Guest
You may argue with Rapana but max's other decisions all went to Canberra for another hometown comeback
armchair expert
Guest
I thought that the running battle between them was great to watch
Agent
Guest
Rapana's overreaction was stupid but Ross clearly flat palmed him twice in the face for no reason. Both players probably could have gone to the sin bin...
zim
Guest
Ross flat palmed Rapana hard twice in the face. It's laughable you don't think that's an issue for Ross. There's no amazement cut from the replay. When the commentators see the palming they agree with the ref. Just sour grapes from a fan who's team got in a position to win and couldn't finish it. Newcastle's effort deserves some praise rather than your whinging.
Bruce
Guest
Another masterful Sunday second half comeback from 0-24 down. The Big M put on a masterful performance to try to win a SOO selection eg at 60min he gave a penalty to trailing Canberra out of nowhere which perplexed both sides - cut from Fox replay. At 67 min Ropana decks Knights Ross (sin bin for punch?) yet Canberra get penalty after Fox commentators lambast Ropana for illdiscipline - again Fox commentators amazement cut from replay. Went to video to show Ross allegedly threw punch but barely discernible but Ropanas response was over the top.Canberra score try leveller at 74 with hint of Croker offside but no video check. The only decisions that went Newcastle came form the other referee Chris Sutton.