Canberra Raiders extend lead at the top of the NRL ladder with 44-18 win over Newcastle Knights

Canberra extended their lead at the top of the NRL ladder, running Newcastle into the ground on the back of two head-scratching bunker decisions.

Kaeo Weeks has capped off a memorable week by playing a starring role in the Canberra Raiders’ 44-18 win over the Newcastle Knights.

With the ink barely dry on his contract extension through to the end of the 2029 season, Weekes reassured the Raiders’ faithful by having a hand in three tries, including scoring the game’s first.

Deft touches at key moments from Weekes were complemented by the guile of playmaker Jamal Fogarty, who produced two try assists himself.

Despite the end result, it didn’t come easy for Canberra early who went tit-for-tat with the Knights throughout the first half.

Tries for Weekes, Simi Sasagi and Xavier Savage were all countered within minutes by the Knights, with the two combatants locked up at 18-apiece come halftime.

Their 26-point victory maintains their four-point buffer atop the NRL ladder, inching closer to their first minor premiership in 35 years.

Ethan Strange denies Dom Young a four-pointer but is penalised for a shoulder charge.

BAFFLING DECISION OPENS FLOODGATES

Two wrongs do indeed make a right, just ask the Bunker.

Raiders livewire Tom Starling couldn’t believe his luck when his 47th minute try was ruled in his favour, despite referee Wyatt Raymond sending it up as a ‘no try’ due to two indiscretions in the lead up.

The first came at the beginning of the play following a Jamal Fogarty cross-field kick to Xavier Savage. The Raiders winger maintained possession while being tackled mid-air by Fletcher Hunt, though was allowed to pass the ball from the ground despite the tackle seemingly being completed.

The ball would eventually end up with Starling, who after a few moments of dancing spotted a gap and strolls through untouched to score. The space was made possible by Sasagi who denied Knight Phoenix Crossland the opportunity to make a play at Starling.

The Bunker’s ruling that Crossland made no effort to effect a tackle proved to be the final straw for Newcastle, who to this point were holding their gloves up against the competition leaders.

Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien defended the Bunker’s decision post-game, but did take umbrage with Matt Timoko’s second try which was also influenced by an apparent obstruction.

“The way (the Bunker) explained it, I agree with them on everything they ruled. We needed to be better there. I’m not going to make excuses for our guys. Phoenix should have kept moving,” O’Brien said.

“It was innocuous, but it deflated us. I do completely disagree with the Bunker overturning the other [obstruction] try though. He clearly went to the outside shoulder.”

A career first four-pointer to Noah Martin was another high point for the Raiders as they closed out their ninth straight win.

Dane Gagai was again Newcastle’s shining light. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

IN THE SHOP WINDOW

Speaking of contracts and fullbacks, Dane Gagai continues to impress in his makeshift role in the No. 1 jersey.

As he looks to extend his NRL career into its 15th season, Gagai has impressed in recent weeks despite the Knights’ ongoing woes including season ending injuries to Fletcher Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga.

While his age is working against him, Newcastle could do worse than come to an agreement with Gagai who should enter the Knights’ top five most capped players by season’s end.

Against Canberra, he managed eight tackle breaks and a try assist for Fletcher Hunt.

Originally published as Canberra Raiders extend lead at the top of the NRL ladder with 44-18 win over Newcastle Knights