NRL 2019: Ricky Stuart 'hurt' after Raiders fail to win for Quinton Pongia

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was left "hurt" that his side couldn't beat the South Sydney Rabbitohs to honour the death of club great Quentin Pongia.

Pongia, 48, passed away on Saturday following a lengthy cancer battle. He recently underwent surgery to remove a bowel tumour.

The former New Zealand international was part of the premiership-winning Raiders side from 1994, which Stuart also played in.

There was a minute's silence before the match to honour Pongia, along with former Australia Prime Minister Bob Hawke, while Raiders players wore black armbands - including Stuart.

Sadly for the Raiders they suffered a 16-12 defeat to the league-leading Rabbitohs in front of their home fans.

Quentin Pongia.
Quentin Pongia. Photo credit: Photosport

"It's a very sad day for the club, he wouldn't have wanted us to be upset about his passing away," said an emotional Stuart. 

"He would have wanted us to win tonight, and we tried... that probably hurts more than anything."

On the field, the Rabbitohs outscored the Raiders two tries to one, all in the second half.

The Raiders led 6-4 at halftime thanks to three Jared Crocker penalty goals, while Adam Reynolds kicked two for the visitors.

South Sydney scored the first try through Cody Walker before Sam Williams hit back for the Raiders moments later.

But with 10 minutes remaining, Mawene Hiroti scored his first NRL try in what proved to be the match-winner for the Rabbitohs as they improved their record to 9-1 this season.

"I thought it was a wonderful game of football and the best crowd I've seen since I've been coming here," said Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.

"The players really got involved, and rugby league won tonight. There was nothing between the teams, and it went all the way.   

"In terms of games this season, that was certainly the most quality game we've played in."

 Newshub.