'Really?': Tom Starling's controversial try sparks second half onslaught for the Raiders

The Knights were dealt a cruel blow after putting forward a spirited first half display against minor premiership favourites, Canberra.

With the score 18-18, Tom Starling was first to score in the second half for the Raiders with a four-pointer that looked almost too good to be true.

On the fifth tackle, Jamal Fogarty kicked to the corner with Xavier Savage tackled by Fletcher Hunt but getting a pass away. The ball went back to the middle of the field and Starling ran through a huge hole.

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The try was sent to the Bunker, with Hunt ruled to have tackled Savage in the air before letting him go and then putting a hand on him again when the Raiders winger was on the ground.

The Bunker ruled the ball carrying arm did not touch the ground.

Then when the ball returned to the middle it looked like Simi Sasagi had stopped in the line and impeded Phoenix Crossland. However, the Bunker said the Knights defenders chose not to defend and the try was awarded.

"Really? Crossland was denied the chance to make a tackle," caller Warren Smith said on Fox League.

"It could've been pulled back on a couple of things there ... that was a tackle (on Savage) every day of the week and twice on Sundays."

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Under section 11 of the NRL regulations, rule 2d) says a tackle is completed when a player is lying on the ground and an opponent places a hand on him. However, the Bunker ruled the tackle under the rule 2a) that a player is held when the arm holding the ball comes into contact with the ground.

The try then sparked a bloodbath for the Raiders.

Matt Timoko scored a double and Noah Martin crossed the line to inspire a 44-18 victory.