The Newcastle Knights have won a fantastic game here in Newcastle with a 14 point win over a disappointing Raiders outfit.
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Final score
Newcastle Knights 34
Canberra Raiders 20
The struggling Newcastle Knights take on a below-par Canberra Raiders outfit this weekend in Newcastle, which is sure to boost the confidence of the victor heading into the State of Origin period. Join The Roar from live scores and commentary of the match from 2pm AEST.
The Knights are a club on the ropes, struggling on and off the field to achieve positive results that can help the club.
Despite this, it’s clear that the Newcastle-based outfit have shown plenty of heart in their matches thus far, despite the lack of wins going their way.
The Knights enter the match losing five from their last five games, with confidence low at the Club.
However, they do stand a chance in this one, coming up against a Canberra outfit that many expected to being doing better at this stage of the season.
Canberra enter this match after losing their last two games, but know that if they can win this one, it would surely boost their confidences and chances of jumping into a top eight spot.
However, it is common knowledge that the Raiders are a far greater and more efficient side at home, and sometimes struggle on the road, giving the Knights plenty of hope to nab a win in this fixture.
Neither teams have any significant absentees for this one, with perhaps Josh Papali being the only absent name one would expect to be playing this Sunday.
Additionally both teams have players that can help change the game significantly in their side’s favour, with both Dane Gagai for Newcastle and Jarrod Croker for Canberra looking to steer their teams to victory.
Prediction
I expect Newcastle to give this game a red-hot crack, however the Raiders should be too good for them and return to winning ways this Sunday
Canberra by 14 points
Join The Roar from live scores and commentary of the match from 2pm AEST in Newcastle.
The eye
Guest
Agree with the commentators Josh Hodgson was murdering his side with slow hesitant dummy half play..backs barely saw any ball in that first 40..very happy for the Knights but their list had no right to get anywhere near the Raiders..time for Ricky to start earning his money..
Jono
Guest
Vaughn didn't play much of the second half of last year when the Raiders were on their winning streak and beating the top teams. Can't comment on the Dragon as apart from their games vs the Raiders I don't watch them.
Taree Raider
Guest
Well done Knights you deserved the win. As an obvious Raiders fan, I don't mind the odd loss as long as they have a red hot go. At the moment I see a team that goes out to balance against the opposition. Why does Ricky not get Boyd and Paulo to go out and dominate in both attack and defence, tell them to get back behind the in goal & run the ball with total conviction. Tell them to drive the opposition backwards. If they are spent by the 10th minute so be it, give them a blow, but I bet that they will be in a dominating position in the game. Introduce Whighton & Bateman to the Mounties Coach and bring in Santo and Dave Taylor. Ricky has to stop playing favourites.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
sham
Guest
Very disappointing from the Raiders. They played like they were trying to avoid losing not trying to win. They are not a good defensive side so trying to play within themselves is going to fail particularly against a side like the Knights as when you are scared of losing you play within yourself. If they play like that against the Eels they will get smashed. Unless they return to a more risky attacking style they are no chance of even making the 8. Laurie Daley won’t pick any Raiders even when they are going well as he wants to grind out a close series (which he will probably lose again). He wants grinding types not guys whose main strength is attack. The Raiders showed what was possible today when they were well behind but it was too late. They got what they deserved ¬– the Knights played well and deserved their win.
boonie
Guest
Like the Tigers I follow, the Raiders look good on paper, but they give you rocks or diamonds. Raiders were soft, clueless and barely NRL standard today so they will probably flog the Eels next week. Long frustrating winter to come
Swannies
Guest
As I predicted earlier this season Raiders are too inconsistent away from home to be taken seriously as a contender. 2018 looms as make or break for Stuart.
bear54
It's hard to imagine one player could make such a difference but Vaughn leaves and the Raiders suck while the Dragons improve out of sight. Slow hand clap for the Raiders recruitment department.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Mata'utia brothers had a whale of a game. With Gagai, they never give up and are the heart beat of this proud yet underachieving Knights team. Great win for their die hard fans.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Good luck to the Knights - deserved to win. Not sure what to make of the Raiders. They seem to lack confidence and spark at the moment. They have the talent but seem to lack belief. Pretty devastating loss really. Long way back if they want to be contenders this season.
Jono
Guest
Knights deserved the win. Showed more heart in the 80mins than the Raiders have all season. Wonder if Sticky will continue to downplay the problems that the Raiders have as he's been doing for the last month. Raiders won't make the 8.
Swannies
Guest
This is a pretty fair indication of where
Nanco
Guest
Badger was level and it was upfield from the TJs but you cant have forward passes if you want a grandstand scripted for TV finish
Joe
Roar Rookie
What a great win by the Knights. Great to see them get a win for their loyal fans. Its been a great weekend of games with some outstanding games and monumental upsets. Raiders were just not in this game.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 34-20 CANBERRA RAIDERS Well done Newcastle! Having too much passion and heart for the Raiders today Thanks for joining The Roar this afternoon, post match analysis to come shortly
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
Conversion Successful 34-20 Newcastle
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
TRY NEWCASTLE THEY HAVE DONE IT!! A TRY for the Knights off a grabber kick here for Lamb 32-20 Newcastle kick to come
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
77TH MIN: Newcastle just getting through their sets here. They should have it here!
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Typical, a dropped ball is an automatic knock on.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
76TH MIN: Knock on Canberra. Newcastle survive