The Canberra Raiders suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, with their hopes of a top four finish this season taking a major hit. The game was marred by a moment of madness from Raiders fullback Jack Wighton, who was sent off for a brain snap in the second half.
The Raiders had been in control for most of the game, leading 16-4 at halftime. However, the Knights came back in the second half and scored three unanswered tries to take the lead. With just minutes remaining, Wighton was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving the Raiders a man down and unable to mount a comeback.
The loss was compounded by Wighton’s brain snap, which could have cost the Raiders the game. Wighton had been in good form all season and was one of the Raiders’ best players, but his moment of madness has put his team’s top four hopes in serious doubt.
The Raiders now face an uphill battle to make the top four, with just four games remaining in the regular season. They will need to win all four games and hope that other results go their way if they are to make the finals.
The loss to the Knights was a bitter pill to swallow for the Raiders, and Wighton’s brain snap has only added to their disappointment. It remains to be seen whether the Raiders can recover from this setback and make a late push for the top four, but one thing is for sure – they will need to be at their best if they are to achieve their goal.
