Game Summary
The Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders served up a thrilling Round Five encounter in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at McDonald Jones Stadium on Easter Sunday, with the home side eventually claiming a dramatic 25-24 victory in front of a sun-drenched crowd.
The Knights made an electric start, crossing for the opening try inside the first 10 minutes when Asu Kepaoa finished off a sharp set play from close range, with Matthew Hunter converting to give Newcastle a 4-0 lead. The score quickly became 10-0 when Siteni Taukamo capitalised on a costly Canberra passing error, pouncing on the loose ball and dotting down in the corner. Hunter added the extras.
But the Raiders soon found their rhythm in stunning fashion. A penalty was ruled in favour of the Raider, as Owen Pattie was quick to tap the ball and go, crashing over the line. Coby Black reduced the margin to four with the boot. Moments later, Daine Laurie split the defence and found fullback Ethan Alaia steaming through, who scored to level the contest at 10-all before Black converted to put Canberra in front.
The floodgates then opened for the Raiders. Mark Tuialii produced a lovely flick pass out wide for Michael Asomua to stroll over, and Coby Black himself crossed after ghosting through a flat defensive line with six minutes remaining in the first half. Black converted both tries, and Canberra went to half-time with a commanding 24-10 advantage.
The second half was a grinding affair as the Knights fought their way back into contention. Shifting left, a cut out pass to Taukamo on the wing saw him pass back inside to Marcus D’Acre who crossed the line. Hunter's conversion attempt fell short as they trailed 24-14.
The game shifted again when Schiller won an aerial battle on the wing, putting the Knights within striking distance, as Hunter converted the try leaving the game still up for grabs, 24-20.
With under two minutes remaining, Schiller produced a second try, catching Canberra's defence off guard and stepping his way to score. The contest was locked at 24-all, setting up a nervy finale. Hunter's conversion attempt was unsuccessful, adding to the drama.
With 30 seconds on the clock, halfback Mitch Henderson stepped up to produce the moment of the match – slotting a field goal from 22 metres out, to seal a 25-24 victory and moving the Knights back to the top of the NSW Cup ladder.
Talking Points
- Canberra's slow start cost them. The Raiders conceded 10 unanswered points before finding their feet – a pattern that has plagued them throughout the 2026 NSW Cup season.
- Daine Laurie was exceptional in the first half, making line-breaks and setting up two first-half tries, though he was quieter after the break as the Knights adjusted.
- The Knights' resilience was the difference. Newcastle absorbed a 14-point deficit and showed remarkable character to claw back, with three try-scoring attempts held up over the line only delaying the inevitable.
- Coby Black returned to form. Back from injury, Black contributed a try, four conversions from four attempts and controlled play effectively.
Key Moment
With the scores locked at 24-all and less than 30 seconds remaining, Mitch Henderson calmly slotted a drop goal from 22 metres to seal the most dramatic of victories for the Knights. After trailing by 14 points at half-time and being held up over the try-line multiple times, it was a fitting end to a match that had everything.
What's Next?
The Newcastle Knights return to the top of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder following the win and will look to consolidate that position in Round Six as they come up against the Western Suburbs Magpies. The Canberra Raiders remain without a win in 2026, will face the North Sydney Bears at North Sydney Oval.
