The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders have secured a magical golden point 20-18 win against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium for the final game at magic round.
The Raiders had a stellar performance across the park, with skipper Joseph Tapine leading his team to victory for his milestone 200th NRL game.
Only seconds in an unlucky knock-on from the Raiders’ Corey Horsburgh gave a penalty to the Melbourne Storm. Canberra’s relentless defensive effort prevented the Storm from capitalising on this early error, holding them up over the line.
A line break from Melbourne’s Sualauvi Faalogo allowed him to run almost the length of the field, stopped by Kaeo Weekes just short of the try line. Despite a valiant effort in defence, Storm’s Grant Anderson scored the night's first points.
The Storm was awarded a penalty not long after when the Raiders obstructed a kick chase and successfully added another two points to their tally. A few minutes later Storm added another try to the scoreboard, to lead 12-0 with 20 minutes left in the first half.
The Raiders tried to gain possession, but a late tackle resulted in the Storm kicking another penalty goal.
Canberra finally got an attacking chance after a penalty was awarded. Savelio Tamale was able to squeeze through the left corner, planting the ball just millimetres from the line, with Jamal Fogarty kicking a difficult conversion with ease.
This momentum continued in the Raiders’ favour as they scored again through Matthew Timoko after a successful in air contest from a short line goal dropout.
An unsuccessful challenge by Melbourne allowed the Raiders to mount an attacking push. With just three minutes left in the first half, the Raiders looked to have scored through Zac Hosking but an obstruction by Tamale in an aerial contest saw the try disallowed.
After a slow start, the Raiders entered the sheds at half time with only a two-point deficit, with the score 14-12.
The Raiders started the second half with an early opportunity after Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen knocked the ball on just seconds in. However, the green machine were unable to capitalise on the mistake.
Both sides continued to trade sets until Hosking kept the Raiders’ set alive when he was able to knock the ball back into the green machine’s possession with skipper Tapine almost reaching the line.
A high tackle penalty awarded to the Storm broke the first-half scoring drought with Faalogo crossing the line to extend their lead by four points.
The Raiders stayed strong in defence as the contest turned into a see-saw battle, determined to not let the Storm cross their line.
With only five minutes left in the game, the Storm attempted to cement the win with a field goal, but play was called back due to foul play from Trent Loiero, keeping the Raiders’ hopes alive.
As if by magic an offload by Raiders’ Matty Nicholson allowed Weekes to run the park planting the ball just next to the post. Fogarty nailed the conversion, evening the scores to 18-18 with only 30 seconds left, taking the game to golden point.
Foul play by both sides sent Stefano Utoikamanu and Josh Papalii to the sin bin, however, Raiders were awarded a penalty after the scuffle.
The Raiders were unsuccessful at their first field goal attempt, but a penalty by Storm’s Loerio gave the Raiders their golden opportunity to secure the win. And that’s exactly what they did with Fogarty nailing the penalty goal, sealing the win 20-18.
The Raiders will be looking to make it six in row when they take on the Bulldogs at GIO Stadium Canberra next Saturday.
