The Knights thrashed the Raiders 40-8 at Hunter Stadium in Round 22 last year.

Canberra fans’ joy at Josh McCrone’s try to open the scoring in the fifth minute was short-lived and misplaced as the home side responded with seven unanswered tries to propel to a 40-4 scoreline with still 20 minutes remaining.

Newcastle led 22-4 at halftime, with veteran Adam MacDougall in the thick of the action bagging a double and setting up Akuila Uate. Matt Hilder also scored a try, exposing some flimsy Raiders defence from 20 metres out.

The Knights continued their assault early in the second half with James McManus fielding a clever Kurt Gidley cross-field kick to touch down in the left corner. Chris Houston charged over at second receiver for a 32-4 lead after 52 minutes before Uate grabbed his second try of the afternoon, charging between defenders Jarrod Croker and Daniel Vidot to grab a Jarrod Mullen cross-field kick for a 38-4 lead with 53 minutes elapsed.

Raiders centre Joel Thompson strolled through some paper-thin defence for a consolation try in the 71st minute before a Gidley penalty goal rounded out the scoring.

Adam MacDougall was easily the best player on the ground, making 163 metres with 10 tackle-breaks and two line-breaks, while Raiders lock Shaun Fensom did his best to repel the Knights with 51 tackles.