The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders have lost to the Dolphins 30-22 at GIO Stadium Canberra.
The home side came in fresh off a bye and fuelled by the Canberra fans, while the Dolphins entered with confidence following their victory over the Rabbitohs last week.
The Green Machine came out firing in the opening two minutes. Stepping into five-eighth, Daine Laurie broke through the line to flick the ball to Jed Stuart on the wing for an early four points.
Ethan Sanders converted the try and the Raiders were underway with a 6-0 lead.
The Dolphins bounced back, with repeated sets allowing the side to send the ball across to Tevita Naufahu for a try in the corner. A successful conversion by Jamayne Isaako levelled the score 6-all.
Laurie’s fast footwork was no match for the Dolphins as the Raiders moved swiftly down the field and into the Dolphins half. A perfectly placed kick sent the ball between the posts, where Corey Horseburgh won the contest and grounded the ball. It was an easy kick for Sanders to put the Raiders back in the lead 12-6.
The Dolphins continued their chase as Isaiya Katoa and Felise Kaufusi linked up two quick offloads to land in Morgan Knowles hands. Knowles split through the Raiders defenders for a try under the post, and Isaako kicked to even the score once again.
The Dolphins had the momentum, with Isaako breaking through in the following set to score another try. The winger failed to convert his own try and left the Raiders trailing by four points.
The changes to the Raiders line continued to create openings for the Dolphins, as Ray Stone fought through the defenders to score another try between the posts. Isaako’s conversion kept the Dolphins in front 22-12.
Continuous errors from the Dolphins helped the Raiders push through their defensive line. An incredible effort by Savelio Tamale saw him knock through the opposition’s players and put the home side within reach of a last-minute try in the first half.
A repeated set at the line was all they needed as Matthew Timoko flicked the ball back to Tamale, who was rewarded for his efforts with the final try of the half.
Sanders narrowly missed the conversion and the Raiders went into the break trailing the Dolphins 22-16.
The Green Machine came into the second half with powerful attack that proved they were ready for a comeback.
The Raiders worked tirelessly to defend their line as the Dolphins were given set after set, but they refused to let the visitors through.
A penalty was handed to the Dolphins for dangerous contact by Morgan Smithies, and the score widened to 24-16 through a Penalty Goal.
With 25 minutes left of play, the Raiders Jordan Uta made his NRL debut, and the team rose for the occasion.
Kaeo Weeks burst through a gap at his own line and bolted down the field before Laurie was called for a shepherd.
Jed Stuart started the Raiders set with a brilliant take from a short goal line dropout. Their attacking set began to build, drawing fans to their feet as Zac Hosking dove for the line to score the first try of the second half.
Sanders converted the try and left the Raiders just two points short of the Dolphins, 24-22.
The back-and-forth pattern continued in the second half before Bradley Schneider broke through the Raiders line to seal another four points. Isaako’s conversion set the score 30-22 for the visiting side.
The Raiders will return home next Sunday when they face the Cowboys.
