The Knights led 18-6 at the break and were always in control of the encounter, which was watched by just over 17,000 spectators.

Canberra had several chances to work their way back into the match early in the second half but luck didn’t go their way, and the Knights ultimately extended their lead and went on with the job, taking advantage of some tired defence.

Andrew Johns illustrated a brilliant individual display, setting up several tries and kicking seven goals, most of them from out wide. Mark Hughes also played well, scoring a hat trick of tries.

But Johns was the star, his final goal helping him collect his 1500th career point, joining an exclusive list featuring Michael Cronin, Darryl Halligan and the game’s highest ever point scorer, Jason Taylor.

Newcastle opened the scoring after just five minutes when Daniel Abraham scored a soft try, easily beating the attempted tackle of Alan Tongue to score out wide.

Andrew Johns converted from the touchline, giving Newcastle an early 6-0 advantage.

That lead was extended in the 15th minute when Johns produced a perfectly weighted kick into the in-goal which was pounced on by Steve Simpson, who took advantage of Clinton Schifcofske still being involved in a previous tackle to score without interference.

Johns’ conversion put Newcastle up 12-0.

Canberra responded to the early onslaught from the Knights by bagging a try with 16 minutes left in the first half, Brett Finch splitting the defence in the middle of the ruck before finding Terry Martin who scored under the posts. Clinton Schifcofske’s conversion put the score at 12-6.

The Knights produced some vintage football eight minutes short of half-time and it resulted in a Clint Newton try close to the posts. Johns’ conversion put the Knights up 18-6.

The Raiders almost scored on the stroke of half-time, but Jason Croker couldn’t ground the ball, and the Knights remained in front by twelve at the break.

Newcastle started the second half brilliantly, with Danny Buderus out-pacing both Jamaal Lolesi and Timana Tahu to chase an Andrew Johns kick and score a try after just 30 seconds of play.

Andrew Johns landed the conversion and the Knights were out to a 24-6 lead.

No matter how many times Newcastle came close to scoring, the Raiders defence never gave in, and were able to keep themselves in the match with some impressive last ditch tackles.

Their best chance to get closer on the scoreboard came with thirty minutes remaining when Ruben Wiki went over the line, only to have the video referee put up a red light after determining that a double movement was involved.

Just four minutes later the Raiders were over the line again, but once again the video referee was called for and replays revealed that Jamaal Lolesi had lost control of the ball.

After having two tries disallowed, one would have thought the Raiders were on top, but the Knights scored completely against the run of play through Mark Hughes, who took advantage of a Raiders mix-up in-goal.

Andrew Johns kept his perfect record in tact with a goal from close to the touchline, putting the Knights ahead 30-6 with 23 minutes remaining.

Timana Tahu put the game beyond Canberra’s reach when he scored just centimetres in from the right touchline after a great last tackle kick by Johns, his conversion putting the Knights up by 36-6.

With nine minutes remaining, Danny Buderus went through two Canberra defenders and passed well to Mark Hughes who scored a great try.

Johns, despite being close to the posts, missed the conversion attempt and the score remained 40-6.

Hughes scored again just minutes from full-time, his third for the afternoon, and with Johns’ conversion the Knights went up 46-6.

Robbie O’Davis helped Newcastle crack 50 with a minute remaining, and Johns’ conversion not only put the score at 52-6, but saw him collect his 1500th career point.

Some gloss was taken off the Knights’ victory when Josh Perry suffered a serious leg injury fifteen minutes out from full-time.

He was taken from the field on a stretcher after going down in a routine tackle after he made a break up field.