The Knights faced a tough defeat against the top-ranked Canberra Raiders despite a commendable first-half performance that ended in a stalemate of 18-18. The turning point came early in the second half when Tom Starling scored a try for Canberra, showcasing what appeared to be a well-executed play. After a kick from Jamal Fogarty found Xavier Savage, who was initially tackled by Fletcher Hunt, the ball made its way back to the middle, allowing Starling to sprint through an unguarded gap.
The try was referred to the Bunker due to concerns over the legality of the preceding tackle. The review concluded that Hunt had infringed by tackling Savage in the air and made contact with him again while he was on the ground. However, the Bunker determined that Savage’s arm did not touch the ground, thus ruling the attempt to score valid.
As the play continued, it appeared that Simi Sasagi had obstructed Phoenix Crossland, impeding his ability to defend. Yet, the Bunker sided with the Raiders, stating that the Knights’ defenders had opted not to challenge the play. Commentator Warren Smith expressed disbelief, suggesting that Crossland was unfairly denied the chance to tackle.
The controversial decision triggered a decisive shift in momentum, leading to a barrage of tries from the Raiders. Matt Timoko effectively sealed the game with two tries, while Noah Martin also crossed the line, driving the score to a commanding 44-18 victory for Canberra.
The match showcased the complexities and intricacies of rugby league rules, especially concerning the definitions of tackling and obstruction, as well as the critical role of the Bunker in adjudicating contentious situations. Despite the defeat, the Knights demonstrated significant resilience in their initial efforts but ultimately fell prey to a relentless Raiders side.