As it happened: Bulldogs topple Sea Eagles; Raiders outclass Knights

Press Conferences: There will be plenty of fall out from a fascinating contest at Allianz Stadium so make sure you check out the post-game press conferences.

Full-time: The Bulldogs have become the third team in NRL history to win 1000 first-grade games, joining the Roosters and Rabbitohs as the only clubs to achieve the feat. Canterbury have noticed the milestone in style, securing a record-breaking 42-4 victory over the Sea Eagles in front of more than 25,000 fans at Allianz Stadium. 

The 38-point winning margin eclipses their old record of 32 points set in 2003 as the side's biggest victory over Manly. Bulldogs 42 - Sea Eagles 4

76th minute: Sam Hughes has a double. The young prop had scored two tries in his NRL career before today, but he's now scored twice in the space of 63 minutes to put the icing on the cake at Allianz Stadium. Bulldogs 42 - Sea Eagles 4

75th minute: We have a late Captain's Challenge with the Bulldogs questioning a call of knock on. The challenge is successful, with the hosts retaining possession and allowed to play the ball. Bulldogs 36 - Sea Eagles 4.

74th minute: The Bulldogs are in again and the crowd of 25,801 is in party mode at Allianz Stadium. The hosts attacked left, Viliame Kikau produced a deft touch and Enari Tuala scored untouched in the corner. Bulldogs 36 - Sea Eagles 4.

70th minute: More concerning signs for Manly with Tom Trbojevic falling awkwardly in a tackle. The centre instantly clutched at his knee and received some treatment from the trainer. He will play on but remains ginger on his feet and will continue to be monitored. Bulldogs 30 - Sea Eagles 4.

65th minute: Bronson Xerri has a second and the Bulldogs are sending a message at Allianz Stadium. Manly were flying high after winning three-straight and defeating the Storm in Melbourne last week but they have been no match for Canterbury this afternoon.

The Bulldogs have ground down their opponents with a high completion rate and physical defence and the Sea Eagles just haven't been able to go with them. Bulldogs 30 - Sea Eagles 4.

59th minute: The Bulldogs have Manly on the ropes now with Bronson Xerri charging over to score between the posts. The try came on the back of another break, with Canterbury keeping the ball alive before Xerri took advantage of a tired defensive line. The Bulldogs have been relentless throughout the first 60 minutes and they're starting to reap the rewards now. Bulldogs 24 - Sea Eagles 4.

56th minute: Canterbury are one step closer to a crucial victory, with the Bulldogs turning defence into attack. Matt Burton sliced his way through the Manly line before he was dragged down 10m out from the try line. The Bulldogs immediately shifted to capitalise on a retreating defence and Jacob Kiraz scored his second of the day. Bulldogs 18 - Sea Eagles 4.

50th minute: They say rugby league is a game of inches and the past minute could not describe it any better. Reuben Garrick looked to burst through the defensive line, however the pass from Ben Trbojevic just travelled forward. 

The Bulldogs then ran a set play from the scrum, with Connor Tracey slicing his way through and charging towards the corner. Lehi Hopoate, however, arrived just in time and made a try-saving tackle to force Tracey out just before he grounded the ball. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4.

46th minute: Confirmation from the Sea Eagles that Haumole Olakau'atu has dislocated his shoulder in a development that will have major implications in their run to the finals. Having already injured it once this season, there's a fair chance his season could be over. 

On the field, a Bulldogs error handed Manly a chance to strike and they came desperately close but Canterbury's scrambling defence was up to the task. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4.

43rd minute: Concerning signs for Manly's Haumole Olakau'atu who is in a large amount of pain with a shoulder or arm injury. The forward is playing his first game since dislocating his shoulder in Round 15 but his comeback has come to an early end. Olakau'atu was helped from the field with a grimace on his face in a major blow to the Sea Eagles' comeback hopes. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4

Kick-off: We are back for the second half with Canterbury looking to close out what has been a gripping contest in front of a big crowd at Allianz Stadium. The Sea Eagles struck late in the opening half and will be looking to score first as they attempt to overcome an eight-point deficit. 

The Bulldogs have received a major boost at the break with Bronson Xerri passing his HIA and returning to the field. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4.

Half-time: That is time on a gripping 40 minutes of football, with the Bulldogs holding on to an eight-point lead. Canterbury were almost flawless with ball in hand and wore their opponents down to jump out to a 12-0 lead. Just as they looked to kick further clear, Manly fought back and Jason Saab scored a crucial try on the stroke of half-time to set up a fascinating second half. 

Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri is set to undergo an HIA during the break after copping a blow to the head late in the half. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4.

38th minute: The stoppage didn't slow Manly's attack, with the visitors shifting to the left before going straight back to the right and targeting the channel Bronson Xerri had been defending. Tom Trbojevic helped create an extra man and Jason Saab did the rest with a spectacular finish in the corner. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 4

37th minute: Concern now for Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri after he copped a stray boot to the face from teammate Viliame Kikau. Kikau was desperately attempting to stop a charging Lehi Hopoate when he dove towards the ball carrier and his feet swung around, with his boot hitting Xerri flush on the nose. The centre is back on his feet and has left the field with what could be a broken nose. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 0.

34th minute: Canterbury are turning the screws now and starting to pick apart a retreating Manly defence. The halves are backing it up with their kicking game and have forced another line dropout. This time, however, the Dogs were slightly off the mark, with Reed Mahoney throwing a forward pass for their first error of the game. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 0.

30th minute: You'll be hard pressed to see two better passes in succession than what the Bulldogs have just produced. The hosts attacked to the right, with Connor Tracey catching and passing in one motion while falling before Stephen Crichton tapped the ball on to Jacob Kiraz. The winger still had plenty of work to do but beat Lehi Hopoate to the corner. Bulldogs 12 - Sea Eagles 0.

28th minute: Tom Trbojevic has come agonisingly close to scoring his team's first. The centre was haring through after Jason Saab reeled in a kick, however the offload went straight through his hands. The play was still on, but Bronson Xerri made a crucial try-saving tackle. The Bulldogs were rewarded for the defensive resolve when they received a penalty a few plays later and the pressure valve has been released. Bulldogs 6 - Sea Eagles 0.

19th minute: That is vintage Daly Cherry-Evans. After the Sea Eagles successfully defended their line, the veteran halfback stepped up to produce a 40-20 and flip the field for his side. Bulldogs 6 - Sea Eagles 0.

17th minute: The Sea Eagles aimed up in defence after the try, however an error with ball in hand has provided with the Bulldogs another chance to attack and extend their lead. Bulldogs 6 - Sea Eagles 0.

14th minute: Manly initially held firm but Canterbury continued to come at their opponents and the pressure slowly built until they cracked. Jason Saab spilled a Matt Burton bomb, Sam Hughes was on the spot to collect the loose ball and he outmuscled Lehi Hopoate to score the opening points of the game. Bulldogs 6 - Sea Eagles 0.

9th minute: Another attacking opportunity coming up for the Bulldogs with Jake Trbojevic penalised for a strip. We'll see if they can break through for the first points of the game. Bulldogs 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

8th minute: Manly hold firm defensively and they've now received an exit out of their own end, with the Bulldogs in front of the kicker on their last tackle play. Bulldogs 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

6th minute: It's been a high-quality start to the game with both sides posing plenty of questions with ball in hand. Manly are the first to crack, with Tolu Koula making an error in the play the ball to hand the Bulldogs the first attacking opportunity of the contest. Bulldogs 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

Kick-off: We are underway in front of a big crowd at Allianz Stadium with the Bulldogs looking to commemorate their 1995 grand final triumph with a win over their fierce rivals. The match carries some added modern spice after Manly knocked Canterbury out of the finals last year. The Sea Eagles are in a tight tussle for spaces inside the top eight and need to extend a three-game winning streak to remain in the finals mix. Bulldogs 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

Late Mail

Bulldogs: Bronson Xerri is on track to return from a groin injury, however Sitili Tupouniua has succumbed to a hamstring injury after just one game back from injury. Sam Hughes will start at prop, with Josh Curran on the bench to cover for Tupouniua's absence. Xerri's return will see Enari Tuala shift to the wing and Jethro Rinakama move to 18th man as the Bulldogs celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1995 grand final victory over Manly. Canterbury will line up 1-17 with Jethro Rinakama the 18th man. 

Sea Eagles: Gordon Chan Kum Tong has been added to the bench on Saturday with Jake Simpkin entering the HIA protocol after receiving an elbow to the head last weekend in Melbourne. Haumole Olakau'atu is preparing for his first game since dislocating his shoulder in Round 15 and comes straight back into the starting side. Jason Saab will play his 100th NRL game. No further changes in Sunday's final team update with Tommy Talau remaining 18th man.

Raiders v Knights at GIO Stadium

Press Conferences: Make sure you tune in to check out what the captains and coaches have to say after an interesting battle at GIO Stadium.

Full-time: Newcastle battled hard throughout the first half and a try on the stroke of half-time had the visitors full of energy heading into the break. Canberra, however, were clinical in the second half to score four tries and blow their opponents away. Jamal Fogarty's kicking game was superb, while Matt Timoko scored a double as the Raiders secured their ninth-straight victory and maintained their lead at the top of the ladder. Raiders 44 - Knights 18.

76th minute: Another trip to the Bunker with Corey Horsburgh claiming a try. The forward produced a grubber to the in-goal and looked to beat Dane Gagai to the ball. The video referee ruled Horsburgh did get to the ball first but knocked it on while trying to ground it. Raiders 44 - Bulldogs 18.

73rd minute: We are back to the Bunker with the referee sending a potential Matt Timoko try upstairs as a no try. Noah Martin was the lead runner who ran to Jack Cogger's outside shoulder. The Bunker has ruled Cogger made a defensive read to play the man rather than push on to the player out the back, Kaeo Weekes produced a brilliant tip on and Timoko did the rest. Canberra have piled on the points in the second half, scoring 26 points to break the game open. Raiders 44 - Knights 18.

71st minute: Ricky Stuart's men continue to pile on the pressure, with the Raiders rolling down the field and forcing a line dropout. The short kick-off sailed into touch and the hosts have a fresh set to attack. Raiders 38 - Knights 18

68th minute: The Raiders are well on their way to victory now. A Hudson Young break put the hosts on the front foot, with Jed Stuart coming agonisingly close to scoring. Jamal Fogarty produced a pinpoint bomb the next play and Newcastle were unable to clean it up. Noah Martin was on the spot to ground the ball and score his first NRL try in just his fourth game. Raiders 38 - Knights 18

58th minute: Two more points for the Raiders after Dane Gagai was unable to catch a brutal bomb that swirled around in the heavy breeze. Dom Young picked up the ball in an offside position and Jamal Fogerty made no mistake with the penalty goal to extend his side's lead beyond two converted tries. Raiders 32 - Knights 18.

55th minute: The Raiders didn't just survive, they've gone the length of the field to extend their lead. A set restart late in the tackle count handed the hosts a fresh set and Matt Timoko capitalised, bursting through the line to score. Raiders 30 - Knights 18.

53rd minute: Canberra dodge a bullet, with the right edge defence rushing in to shut down the Knights and force an error. The Raiders maintain a six-point lead. Raiders 24 - Knights 18.

51st minute: Newcastle have a chance to hit straight back. Dom Young broke free and raced 50 metres downfield before being dragged down. The referee spotted a crusher tackle in the collision and has placed Hudson Young on report. Young came close moments later, however was stopped by a desperate Ethan Strange. The tackle was a shoulder charge, with Strange put on report and Newcastle receiving a fresh set of six. Raiders 24 - Knights 18.

47th minute: We are off to the Bunker as the Raiders claim the opening points of the half. There's a lot to unpack here with a tackle in the air, a potential pass off the ground and a potential obstruction. Xavier Savage has soared through the air to pluck a claim a bomb, the winger then offloaded after falling to the ground, with the Bunker ruling he was not held. After some hot potato Tom Starling burst through the defensive line and the Bunker again ruled in Canberra's favour. The on-field referee had cited obstruction, but the Bunker said the Newcastle player made a defensive error and awarded the try. Raiders 24 - Knights 18.

Kick-off: We are back at a cold and wet GIO Stadium, with the Knights pushing for their third-straight win at the venue. A try on the stroke of half-time has given the visitors plenty of confidence and they'll need to start fast to head off a second-half onslaught from the competition leaders. Raiders 18 - Knights 18.

Half-time: You'd hate to be a Raiders player walking into the sheds right now. Rather than take the safe option before half-time, Canberra opted to attack from deep inside their own half. Fletcher Hunt was wise to the move and took an intercept as the siren sounded to level the scores. Ricky Stuart will not be happy. Raiders 18 - Knights 18

38th minute: These Raiders can strike from anywhere. Newcastle produced a superb set of six after points, but they failed to finish it off and a poor kick chase allowed Xavier Savage to put his team on the front foot with a good kick return. From there Canberra rolled down the field before they ran it on the last, with Savage finishing off some slick passing to put his team back in front on the stroke of half-time. There was a slight delay before the conversion with strong winds blowing the ball off the kicking tee. That didn't stop Jamal Fogarty, who nailed the tough conversion despite the wind and driving rain. Raiders 18 - Knights 12.

35th minute: This time the Knights capitalise on their field position, with Greg Marzhew finishing off a left-edge play to score untouched in the corner. Newcastle have controlled the past 10 minute of this contest and they've been rewarded for their efforts as we edge towards half-time. Raiders 12 - Knights 12.

33rd minute: Simple errors have been an issue for the Knights this season and they've made another here. Jermaine McEwen forced a second line dropout with another deft kick, however Jack Hetherington was pinged for an incorrect play the ball. The Raiders handed possession straight back to their opponents when Morgan Smithies was called out for the same indiscretion. Raiders 12 - Knights 6.

30th minute: The Knights have claimed the upper hand in the past few minutes, with the injection of Tyson Frizell to the contest helping the visitors roll through the middle of the field. The pressure has led to a result, with Newcastle forcing a line drop out and earning a chance to attack. Raiders 12 - Knights 6.

24th minute: The Raiders have got another result from a bomb to Greg Marzhew, with the winger spilling another high ball. It didn't take long for the Raiders to capitalise, with Simi Sasagi beating to Newcastle defenders in the first play from the scrum. Raiders 12 - Knights 6

18th minute: Capitalise they do. The Knights threatened on multiple plays in their first trip to the red zone and a charging Leo Thompson has laid the platform for their first points of the day. The forward took advantage of a disjointed defensive line before producing a superb offload for Kai Pearce-Paul to score. Raiders 6 - Knights 6.

17th minute: A Corey Horsburgh knock on brought the attacking play to an abrupt end and the Raiders have now compounded the error by conceding a pair of penalties to hand Newcastle prime attacking position. Opportunities have been limited for the Knights, so we'll see if they can capitalise. Raiders 6 - Knights 0.

15th minute: The Raiders continue to pepper Greg Marzhew with bombs and the Knights winger is struggling to navigate the aerial contests. This time he's spilled the ball, handing the hosts a fresh set of six to attack. Raiders 6 - Knights 0.

10th minute: It's been a frantic few minutes and the Raiders have struck first through a superb long-range try. A midfield shift saw Canberra find space out wide, before Jed Stuart reeled in a Simi Sasagi offload. The winger broke free and had plenty of support inside him, with Kaeo Weekes finishing it off to score his eighth try of the year. Raiders 6 - Knights 0.

8th minute: We have an early Captain's Challenge with the Knights questioning the on-field decision of knock on. The Bunker agrees, with Newcastle gaining possession. 

The challenge came after a Corey Horsburgh charge down. The forward gathered the ball before passing to Hudson Young, who was reeled in. Young got up to play the ball, Horsburgh switched off and Dane Gagai dived on the loose ball to secure possession. Raiders 0 - Knights 0

7th minute: It's been an even start to the contest, with both teams still feeling out their opponents. The Raiders just had the best opportunity of the match thus far, with Xavier Savage outleaping Greg Marzhew in the contest for a bomb. The winger was unable to secure the ball and the Knights survive an early scare. Raiders 0 - Knights 0.n

Kick-off: The Viking Clap has rung out around GIO Stadium, both teams are on the field and we are underway in cold and gloomy conditions in the nation's capital. The hosts have been superb at home this season and they're eager to keep the momentum rolling as they charge towards the minor premiership. Newcastle have battled away through the middle stages of their campaign and need a win to keep their top-eight chances alive. Raiders 0 - Knights 0.

Stat Attack

• The Raiders have won seven from eight at GIO Stadium this season.
• The Knights have won four of their past six games against the Raiders.
• Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored 10 tries in his last 11 games at GIO Stadium.
• The Knights have won three of their past four away games.
• Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has scored five tries in his last six games.

Late Mail

Raiders: Simi Sasagi is set to start at centre after Seb Kris was ruled out with a concussion, with Noah Martin added to the bench for his fourth first-grade game. The Raiders are otherwise settled as they look to solidify their place at the top of the ladder and will line up 1-17. Manaia Waitere is the 18th man. 

Knights: With Bradman Best sidelined by a knee injury, Kyle McCarthy moves into the centres in jersey No.22. Forward Brodie Jones had been listed in the reserves as he looked to return from illness but he dropped out of the squad on Saturday. Coach Adam O'Brien made one more change in the final team update, with Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings trading places. Gamble will now start at five-eighth, with Hastings coming off the bench.