The Canberra Raiders' finals hopes are officially over after they suffered a 30-24 defeat to the Newcastle Knights in their second final home game of the season. Gagai pushed the Raiders forward to play the ball, with Horsburgh responding by slapping the Knights centre in the face. The challenge was not taken up by the referee, who instead overturned the original decision and sent Horsburgh to the sin bin for striking. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart agreed with the sin bin. With Canberra no longer able to reach the finals, Stuart admitted he will use the final rounds to give some of his younger players an opportunity.