A second-half fightback from Newcastle has given the Knights a 22-12 NRL victory over Canberra on Sunday.

The Knights sealed victory thanks to two late tries to winger Akuila Uate at Canberra Stadium.

The Raiders looked in control of the game at half-time with a 12-nil lead thanks to tries to Bronson Harrison and Joel Thompson.

But the Knights were a different team in the second half.

Winger James McManus scored soon after the break and the visitors went on to dominate field position.

The Raiders were not helped by a controversial decision by referee Matt Cecchin who ruled that a lost ball from Junior Sa'u had been touched by Raiders' five-eighth Josh McCrone.

Replays showed McCrone did not make contact with the ball.

The Raiders appeared certain to score and would have regained the lead if they had.

Canberra coach David Furner said Cecchin's decision was a major factor in his team's loss.

"That changed the game...If you let them play on, Joshy McCrone's under the posts (and) we win the game," Furner told reporters.

"So unfortunately that was a massive one."

Despite a solid game from fullback, Josh Dugan, who was returning from injury, the Raiders let themselves down with poor kicking and handling.

Captain and replacement forward Alan Tongue blew a scoring opportunity when he received a great pass from Harrison in open space in the second half.

Tongue, who was also returning from injury, dropped the ball.

After the game Tongue conceded his team should have done more to try to win the game.

"I think our start to the game was outstanding," Tongue said.

"We just needed to be better at the start of that second half." Bur Tongue remained optimistic about his team's chances this year.

"We were in this position last year and we turned it around ... We can do it again."

It was the Knights' third win at Canberra Stadium, while the Raiders' season is in danger of slipping away.

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