Another disappointing performance from the Canberra Raiders NYC team has seen the team go down 54-10 this afternoon against the Storm at AAMI Stadium.
The Raiders were blown away early in the game with the Storm scoring the first five tries of the game, before the Raiders were finally able to put a try on the board. It culminates in a disappointing three games away from home for the Green Machine who conceded 160 points in the three away matches.
Canberra came into the game off the back of some late changes with backrower Scott Doyle and centre Jack Creith coming out of the side. The changes saw Andrew Heffernan shifted into the centres and Ben Maguire earning a spot in the backrow.
Ricky Garard was moved into the five eighth position, with Dylan McGrath moving into the hooker role. Thoren Fidow-Kele came onto the bench for the Raiders in jersey 19.
The Raiders got the worst possible start when the Storm scored three tries to in quick succession to open the game. Canberra have struggled on the road this season, and the game was fast becoming another road disappointment for Mick Mantelli’s men.
It was getting ugly when Joe Stimson scored for the Storm, the try was converted to extend the Storm’s lead to a commanding 22-0 midway through the first half. A minute later Latrell Robinson crossed for the Storm to extend their comfortable lead.
The Raiders finally got on the board late in the first half, when a nice backline play was able to stretch the Storm defence, the conversion was successful to bring the score line back to 26-6.
Then with the ball in the Raiders attacking half Tony Tumusa was able to run 80 metres and score right before half time for the Storm. One positive for the Raiders was the poor converting from the Storm who only managed to convert 50% of the tries in the first half. But it was going to be a long way back for the Raiders who were down 30-6.
Two quick tries right after half time to Robinson who got his double, and Una Mohi all but snuffed out what challenge the Raiders were going to put up in the second half with the Storm’s lead ballooning out to a 42-6 advantage after 53 minutes.
A defensive mix up from the Raiders allowed Robinson iced the game when he went over for his hat-trick in the 67th minute. The try was converted to extend the Storm’s lead to 48-6. Solomona then brought up the half century for the Storm when he scored in the 73rd minute, the try was converted to give the Storm a 54-6 lead.
Canberra were able to score a late try in the 76th minute but it wasn’t enough to hide another disappointing defensive effort on the road from the Raiders. The try wasn’t able to be converted leaving the final scores 54-10.
The Raiders will return to GIO Stadium next Monday desperate for a good performance after three tough road performances.
Melbourne Storm 54
Defeated
Canberra Raiders 10
