NRL: Knights fightback to defeat Raiders

Akuila Uate of the Knights scores his second try. Photo / Getty Images

Newcastle Knights 22
Canberra Raiders 12

A second-half fightback from Newcastle has lifted the Knights to a 22-12 National Rugby League win over Canberra today.

The Knights sealed victory thanks to two late tries by winger Akuila Uate to leave the Canberra Stadium faithful stunned.

The Raiders looked in control of the game at half-time, up 12-0 thanks to tries from Bronson Harrison and Joel Thompson.

But the Knights were a different team in the second half.

Winger James McManus scored soon after the break and the visitors went on to dominate field position.

The Raiders were not helped by a controversial decision by referee Matt Cecchin who ruled that a lost ball from Junior Sa'u had been touched by Raiders five-eighth Josh McCrone.

Replays showed McCrone did not make contact with the ball.

The Raiders appeared certain to score and would have regained the lead if they had.

Despite a solid game from fullback Josh Dugan who was returning from injury, the Raiders let themselves down with poor kicking and handling.

It was the Knights' third win at Canberra Stadium, while the Raiders' season is in real peril with their losing streak now at six games.

Newcastle 22 (A Uate 2 S McDonnell J McManus tries K Gidley 3 goals) bt Canberra 12 (B Harrison J Thompson tries J Croker 2 goals) at Canberra Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Reynolds. Crowd: 11,879.

- AAP