Newcastle Knights defeat Canberra Raiders to end their finals hopes

The Newcastle Knights secured a 30-24 victory over the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, a result that effectively ends the Raiders' hopes of playing in the NRL finals. Despite a significant injury list that included Bradman Best and Phoenix Crossland, Newcastle's win moves them closer to a post-season berth following a previous wooden spoon finish.

The match turned in the 73rd minute when Raiders forward Corey Horsburgh was sent to the sin bin after a video review showed him slapping Newcastle centre Dane Gagai. This disciplinary lapse occurred just as Canberra had the opportunity to level the score. Following the penalty, Newcastle winger Dominic Young scored his second try of the match on his 25th birthday to seal the win.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart criticized Horsburgh's lack of composure, labeling the incident a "f***ing brain explosion" that cost the team their final opportunity to complete a comeback. The defeat leaves Canberra six points adrift of eighth place, making their path to the finals mathematically improbable.