Knights win 16-12 with Ponga's return, Raiders rally but fall short despite late comeback efforts.
Star fullback Kalyn Ponga has inspired the Newcastle Knights to a tense 16-12 victory over the Raiders in his first game since Round Seven.
The Knights jumped out to a 16-6 lead early in the second half and looked set to kick clear midway through the half. Canberra, however, had other ideas and cut the deficit to four before mounting a fierce rally in a desperate bid to level the scores.
Ultimately the match came down to one play with a minute remaining, Xavier Savage winning the race to the ball in the in goal but unable to ground it and Newcastle survived.