The nib Newcastle Knights have been defeated 22-18 by the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.
The Knights produced a spirited second-half performance, but fell just short after trailing 16-0 at the break.
Heading into their second bye round, the squad will rest up before returning home on July 12th to tackle the Melbourne Storm.
How it played out:
The match kicked off in front of 17,527 Members and supporters at the home of the Knights for a special Beanie for Brain Cancer Round with both teams running out in their beanies to honour the occasion.
The Raiders had a lot of early possession while the Knights defence stayed solid in the opening stages.
Canberra would make their pressure count opening the scoring in the 15th minute with Simi Sasagi crossing over.
Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange extended the away side's lead with four pointers in the 23rd and 27th minute respectively.
Newcastle trailed 16-0 at the change of ends.
The red and blue were energetic to start the second half and put points on the board in the 48th minute.
Jayden Brailey and Kalyn Ponga noticed shorter numbers on the Raiders right side, and sent James Schiller into score. Ponga added the extras to reduce the margin to 10 points.
The away side were next to score after a midfield break from Strange led to a try to Jed Stuart.
The Knights weren't going to die wondering and hit back seven minutes later.
Jermaine McEwen barged his way over from close range to put the Knights back to within 10 points.
With six minutes to play, the comeback was in reach when James Schiller went in for his second of the night following a brilliant move from Bradman Best.
However, the Raiders would hold onto their lead to take the two points.
What's next:
The red and blue will rest up with the bye next round before returning home to take on the Melbourne Storm on July 12th.
