Polak's goal was justice for a fluent and dominating Canberra, but not for the first time, the intensity drifted from the home side's play and Harper equalised with a looping header while back-pedalling just before half time.
Musitano was working out which way he was heading in the 2nd half, was pulled from behind and retaliated with an elbow - and the game never looked like being other than a Newcastle win after Buonavoglia's shot diving header on the far post in the 59th. Canberra will hopefully learn from this, but the sooner PJ Roberts gets back to Canberra and on the field, the better.
Good to catch up with Steve Bradbury and Chris Dunkerley with the travelling Newcastle support. The Prime Minister's Cup heads north.
Go Joeys! Save my weekend!