The nib Newcastle Knights have kept their season alive defeating the Canberra Raiders 30-28 in a golden point thriller at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Knights overcame a 16-6 deficit at half-time to score four second half tries before a late Raiders comeback sent the match into extra-time.
Kalyn Ponga slotted a penalty goal in extra-time to send the 29,000 strong Newcastle crowd into overdrive.
The side now is locked in to play the Warriors in finals week two.
HOW IT PLAYED OUT:
1st min - The match kicked off at home for the Club's first home final since 2006 and in front of over 29,000 Members and supporters.
5th min - The Knights would open their account in the fifth minute with Greg Marzhew continuing his try-scoring spree at home.
A set move down the left side had the winger diving over in the corner. Kalyn Ponga added the two to give the Knights an early 6-0 lead.
Marzhew opens the scoring
13th min - Knights forwards Adam Elliott and Leo Thompson produced a try-saver to keep the Raiders at bay.
The Knights save one
Newcastle repelled multiple Raiders attacks defending for four repeat sets in a row.
18th min - The Raiders would draw level capitalising on a Knights error with James Schiller scoring in the corner.
30th - Marzhew pounced on a Raiders error to run 80 metres up the field. From the following play Dane Gagai almost scored in the corner but was ruled to have knocked-on in the put down.
Foot race: Marzhew v Cotric
33rd min - The Raiders would have their second through Trey Mooney following a short drop-out from the Knights.
39th min - On the stroke of half-time, the Raiders would post their third try with Schiller scoring a second in the corner.
40th min - The Knights trailed 16-6 at the break.
40th min - Halfback Jackson Hastings was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
47th min - The Knights were back in the game when Captain Kalyn Ponga scored under the posts.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon produced a brilliant offload to Kurt Mann, with the utility finding the fullback in support.
Ponga under the sticks
54th min - The red and blue regained the lead with the Captain standing tall in attack.
Ponga broke through the Raiders defence, finding Dom Young in support and the Englishman made no mistake to score his 24th try of the season.
Young and KP combine
56th min - Newcastle were on fire with Dane Gagai bringing the kingdom to its feet.
Kalyn Ponga and Dom Young once again combined to send the Englishman through the line, with Young playing provider for Gagai to score.
Gagai keeps the ball rolling
62nd min - Dom Young would have the second of the game raising the roof of McDonald Jones Stadium.
Tyson Gamble jumped on a Raiders mistake and passed the ball to the winger who streaked down the sideline to extend the Knights lead.
64th min - Raiders bridged the deficit when Matt Frawley scored.
77th min - With three minutes to play, the Raiders would score through Tom Starling. Jamal Fogarty added the two to level the scores.
80th min - The full time whistle sounded with the match headed for golden point.
83rd min - The Knights defused multiple Canberra attempts at field goal with some brave defence.
Another desperate charge down from the Knights
88th min - The red and blue were awarded a penalty from close to in front with Kalyn Ponga stepping up to take the conversion.
Ponga calmly slotted the conversion to put the Knights in front by two.
Ponga puts the Knights in front
90th min - Full-time of extra-time rang across McDonald Jones Stadium with the Knights marching onto finals week two after an incredible game of footy.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights move into a semi-final against the Warriors.
The match will be played at Go Media Stadium, Auckland next Saturday night at 6:05pm.
