
The Canberra Raiders fell short 16-12 to the Newcastle Knights on Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium.
A monumental celebration as Raiders hooker Tom Starling celebrated his 100th Raiders game with fans and fellow players in support.
Raiders prop Josh Papalii pushed through with purpose, planting the ball over the line to open the scoring for the Raiders with a 6-0 lead.
The Knights hit back as centre Dane Gagai backed himself and used his speed to plant the ball down and level the score to 6-all.
Canberra were unable to hold out as Knights winger Greg Marzhew tiptoed down the sideline to score on the wing, the Knights led 12-6.
Just before halftime, Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange made a runaway break to fall short with quick defense from Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga.
The Knights held the halftime advantage of 10-6 with an important 40 minutes ahead.
Jackson Hasting held up the defense and put Dane Gagai over for an untouched try to begin the second half. Will Pryce converted to extend their lead to 16-6.
Raiders second rower Elliott Whitehead snatched a quick intercept, which saw Kaeo Weekes sprint up the field with ease to score and cut the deficit to 16-12.
The Raiders had a prime opportunity to score off a kick chase but were denied via a Xavier Savage knock on in the contest.
The Raiders will look to regroup with a bye round next weekend.