‘Outrageous’: Andrew Johns claims Raiders denied in defeat to Knights

A series of contentious decisions sparked outrage among league legends as the Raiders were denied a try and had to play with just 12 men during a heated clash against the Knights on Sunday.

Newcastle put on a commendable display in front of their home fans, securing a 32-12 victory over the 2025 minor premiers, but the match was not without its controversies.

Entering the second half with a four-point lead, the Knights found themselves with a debutant on the pitch, following a groin injury ruling star centre Bradman Best out of the match.

Just three minutes into the second half, the Raiders were down to 12 men as they bid farewell to Savelio Tamale, who was sent to the sin bin.

Tamale received his marching orders for attempting to prevent Dominic Young from scoring a spectacular try, having knocked the ball into touch while holding onto the Knights’ star.

Young quickly appealed to referee Adam Gee about Tamale’s actions before a decision was made to review the on-field ruling. The Bunker subsequently confirmed that Tamale would be heading to the sin bin.

“It won’t be deemed a penalty try, but it is a professional foul,” remarked Andrew Johns on Nine.

“Ten in the bin? That’s rather harsh,” added Billy Slater.

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Young wasted no time in getting his name on the scoreboard, crossing for a try just four minutes after Tamale’s dismissal.

Meanwhile, Canberra were left scrambling for answers, worried that Hudson Young might also be sent to the sin bin.

Young was attempting a tackle on Dane Gagai when he was caught up with Young, resulting in some pushing and shoving near the sideline.

Teammates rushed in to separate the two, and a replay showed the Raiders star had pulled the hair of the Knights winger.

The Raiders were penalised for the incident but no players were sin-binned.

Shortly after, a try by Phoenix Crossland left the visitors fuming.

Ricky Stuart couldn’t conceal his frustration standing on the sidelines, as the Raiders coach expressed disbelief at how his team was denied a try by the Bunker due to incidental contact from Josh Papali’i on Trey Mooney leading to Zac Hosking’s try.

“We’re just looking for excuses not to award it,” said Johns as the referee indicated the Bunker was reviewing the on-field decision.

“That was merely a slight bump, and then it’s a defensive error. This is ridiculous, and you know where I stand. That was a try.”

“I can’t believe some of these decisions being made,” Paul Gallen added.

Stuart bluntly told reporters post-match that “it doesn’t matter what I think” regarding the call, refusing to elaborate any further.

Minutes later, Greg Marzhew scored his second try, followed shortly by Young with his own second. Ethan Strange also added four points to the Raiders’ tally.