After an impressive performance from Canberra, a try to Newcastle fullback Jake Mamo as the full-time siren sounds has snatched victory from the Raiders’ hands at Hunter Stadium.
Mamo proved a thorn in the Raiders side throughout the contest with the talented custodian finishing with a hat-trick of tries.
The Knights started the match well and ran out to a 12-0 lead before the Green Machine fought back to reduce the deficit to 12-10.
Each side registered a further try however it was the flawless goal kicking of Knights winger Bryce Donavon that saw the Novocastrians head into the halftime break with a slender 18-16 advantage.
The Raiders started the better of the two sides in the second stanza with devastating back-rower Tevita Pangai Junior crossing out wide to give Canberra the lead.
Alas, this lead was unfortunately shortly lived with centre Sione Mata'utia levelling scores shortly after. Donovan’s conversion attempt from the sideline missed entailing that scores remained level at 22 all with 14 minutes remaining.
Newcastle then skipped ahead after another try to Mamo but then Canberra portrayed their renowned fighting spirit to hit back with another try. Raiders Co-Captain Patrick Mago then levelled scores at 28 all with a high-pressure conversion.
Mamo then stepped up with a marvellous chip-and-chase effort from 40 metres out to ensure that they two points remained with the home side.
In a thrilling encounter in which the momentum and lead was exchanged throughout the contest, the Raiders were best served by halfback Andrew Heffernan and winger Jack Creith who each finished with two tries.
Newcastle Knights 34 (T: Mamo 3, Boyce, Levi, Mata’utia, G: Donovan 5/6) defeated
Canberra Raiders 28 (T: Creith 2, Heffernan 2, Pangai Junior, G: Mago 4/5)
