The Canberra Raiders have held out a gallant New Zealand Warriors side 20-6 this afternoon, in a scrappy match on the Gold Coast.
Both teams played in unfamiliar territory in scorching hot weather at CBUS Stadium with neither claiming a home-field advantage.
The conditions led to a number of errors from both sides, with the Raiders defence allowing them to take control of the match and claim the victory.
Match Highlights: Raiders secure win over Warriors
It was a slow start with both sides due to the errors, but the Raiders managed to finish the opening half in front by 6.
Warriors dominated possession but it was an army of green on the goal line that kept Warriors from crossing the try line.
Warriors Tohu Harris, was first to make it over the line, in the 6th minute of the first half, after Raiders Jarrod Croker, was tackled midair. As a result, the try was disallowed and scores remained at nil-all.
A flashy offload from Croker to Elliot Whitehead just out from Warriors goal-line sent Whitehead cruising over the try line finally putting points on the board in the 21st minute.
A successful conversion from Croker gave Raiders a 6 point lead.
Just outside of half-time, Sia Soliola was put on report for a dangerous tackle.
Raiders came back after the half time break firing. A grubber kick from captain Josh Hodgson seen Sia Soliola swooping onto the ball in the in-goal just 4 minutes into the second half giving Raiders a further lead.
An error from Warriors Adam Blair, sent Raiders Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad running before a pass on the inside to George Williams before being tackled 10 meters out from their line. A quick play the ball and out to Croker who set up yet another try, putting Bailey Simonsson over the line giving Raiders a healthy 16 point lead.
Tapine was sent for a HIA in the 64th minute as a result of a head clash with Warriors Eliesa Katoa. Both players were later cleared.
An obstruction from George Williams in 74th minute resulted in a penalty try for Kodi Nikorima with a successful conversion from Chanel Harris-Tavita gave the Warriors their first and only points for the season.
Corey Horsburgh was sent for a HIA in the final minutes of the game and is pending a result after he came off second best in a tackle.
A kick from Williams to the right-hand corner gave Curtis Scott his first try in a Raiders jersey with just 30 seconds left on the clock, finishing the game up with Canberra Raiders 20-6 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Canberra Raiders 16 (Tries: E Whitehead, I Soliola, B Simonsson, C Scott; Goals: J Croker 2) New Zealand Warriors 6 (Tries: K Nikorima; Goals: Harris-Tavita)
