The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs faced a tough 40-16 loss at home to the Canberra Raiders.
Accor Stadium buzzed with activity for Old Boys Day and an NRLW double-header.
Jacob Preston made his comeback from an arm injury, boosting the team's morale.
However, the match's beginning was peculiar, with two Bulldogs' tries disallowed, leading to the Raiders scoring first.
Harry Hayes saw his early effort denied, as the bunker ruled a knock-on while grounding a grubber.
Shortly after, Jethro Rinakama appeared to score, but the ball slipped loose, allowing Xavier Savage to dash 100 meters for a try.
Although Hayes and Jacob Kiraz sprinted after Savage, they assumed play had stopped, resulting in a confirmed Canberra try.
Ethan Sanders converted, giving the Raiders a 6-0 lead.
The Raiders extended their advantage with another try from Noah Martin, following a bizarre Captain's Challenge from the Bulldogs on a 40/20 ruling.
The bunker's decision was inconclusive, and the Bulldogs lost their challenge as the ruling stood.