Canberra Raiders’ Struggles Continue as Newcastle Knights Dominate
The Canberra Raiders have faced a challenging start to the 2026 season, with their performance showing significant signs of decline. After securing the minor premiership in 2025 by losing just five regular-season games, the team has now suffered four consecutive losses, including a heavy 32-12 defeat at the hands of the Newcastle Knights.
This loss marks a stark contrast to their previous success, as they had not experienced their fourth loss until round 20 in the 2025 season. Now, the Raiders find themselves languishing in the bottom three of the table after starting the 2026 campaign with a 1-4 record.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights, who were last year’s wooden spoon winners, have made a remarkable turnaround under the guidance of coach Justin Holbrook. The Knights have maintained an impressive early-season record of 4-1, climbing to second place on the ladder. Their victory at the McDonald Jones Stadium was particularly significant, as it marked their best start after five rounds since 2015 and ended a seven-game losing streak at home.
Key Performers for the Knights
Several players stood out for the Knights in this match. Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell delivered standout performances, while Sandon Smith showcased his class in controlling the game. Wingers Dom Young and Greg Marzhew both scored doubles, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Canberra opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes when Simi Sasagi capitalized on a powerful midfield break by Ethan Strange. However, the Knights quickly responded, with Marzhew equalizing later in the half. Fletcher Sharpe then put the home side ahead when the Raiders’ duo of Xavier Savage and Kaeo Weekes failed to deal with a bomb. At halftime, the score was 10-6 in favor of the Knights.
A Tough Start for the Raiders
The second half did not go well for the Raiders. Just two minutes into the half, Savelio Tamale was sin-binned by referee Adam Gee for a ‘cynical’ grab on Young’s arm during a contest for a bomb in the in-goal area. This disadvantage allowed Young to capitalize on the situation, scoring in the same corner just a minute later.
Four minutes later, with Tamale still absent, Gagai found space down the right edge and sent Phoenix Crossland over for a try, extending the Knights’ lead to 20-6. Despite Zac Hosking attempting to spark a comeback for the Raiders with 16 minutes remaining, his try was overturned due to an obstruction by Josh Papalii, effectively sealing the game for the Knights.
Injuries and New Opportunities
The Knights also faced some challenges, as Bradman Best was forced to leave the field at halftime with a groin injury. This allowed 20-year-old Wilson De Courcey to make his NRL debut. On the other hand, Canberra’s Will Savage also went off late in the game with what appeared to be a leg injury.
Will Kennedy Considers Future Moves
In another development, Cronulla Sharks fullback Will Kennedy hinted at the possibility of leaving the club if he feels it is in his best interest. Kennedy scored a double in the Sharks’ 36-22 win over the Warriors, helping the team secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season and move back into the NRL top eight.
Kennedy, one of 13 Sharks players set to be off-contract at the end of the year, has been in a state of uncertainty for the past 18 months after signing a one-year extension in October. He chose to stay with the club at that time due to his wife being heavily pregnant and limited options elsewhere. However, his future could change if Perth decides to sign a No.1 player for next year.
“I’ll do whatever is best for my family,” Kennedy said after the win. “I just had a newborn, so it was only right for me to stay that one more year here. I want to keep playing footy. If I stay here, happy days. I love this club. But if I have to do what’s best for my family, then I have to do it.”
