Raiders score impressive comeback victory over Roosters

The green machine fought hard in a strong contest tonight led by club debutant Ethan Sanders and Josh Papalii, who levelled the clubs all time appearance record with 318 games.

The Roosters gained possession early on, breaking through the Raiders’ defensive efforts with Mark Nawaqanitawase scoring the first points of the night. A successful conversion gave them a 6-nil lead.

Both teams continued to trade sets as they fought hard to hold on to possession, with the Raiders finding themselves in the red zone multiple times.

The Raiders tried to claw themselves back into the game, almost reaching the line when the Nawaqanitawase intercepted and ran 70 meters, only to be run down by Kaeo Weekes.

Savage finally broke the deadlock for the Raiders, receiving a quick ball from some slick hands to score their first points of the night.

A brutal tackle by Hudson Young handed the Raiders ample opportunity to take the lead before half time. The Raiders looked to have scored through a masterful play by Simi Sasagi but unfortunately the try was disallowed due to Pattie being in front of the kicker.

The Roosters were able to score one more try just before the half time siren, extending their lead 12-4 heading into the sheds.

The Raiders came out firing in the second half with Owen Pattie nailing a 40/20 for Canberra. Sasagi stormed the try line off the back of a clean grubber kick by debutant Sanders for the first try of the second half. A missed conversion narrowed the score to 12-8.

Canberra tried to hold on to possession, but James Tedesco snuck around their right defensive edge and allowed the Roosters to hit the line despite Savage and Hudson Young’s attempts to hold them back.

Moments later, Savelio Tamale made a miracle offload as the Roosters attempted to push him into touch, keeping the ball alive for Young to bag the third try for the Raiders. Sanders nailed the ball through the posts to close the gap to 18-14.

The Raiders continued their comeback when skipper Joe Tapine scored off the back of Patties’ grubber kick. Sanders added the extras with ease as Canberra took the lead 20-18 with 20 minutes remaining.

Canberra almost found the line again but an awkward bounce from an offload left the ball dead over the line.

Not quite done yet, Weekes showcased his speed and agility after he caught a high bomb and powered down the field, passing to Ethan Strange who darted towards the try line extending the Raiders’ lead 26-18 with six minutes left.

Despite the Roosters strong attempt at a comeback in the last fighting seconds, the Raiders proved too strong sealing a determined win 26-24.

The Raiders will return home for a blockbuster clash on Sunday afternoon against the Rabbitohs, where they will celebrate the record-breaking match for prop Josh Papalii.