The Canberra Raiders NSW Cup team returned home on Sunday against the New Zealand Warriors to kick off the double header at GIO Stadium Canberra.
The Green Machine entered this clash off the back of four straight wins, while their opponents were aiming to bounce back following their 44-16 point loss to the Bulldogs.
The Raiders kicked off the action in Canberra for a fast-paced opening to the match. Malachi Smith was off to a powerful start, pushing Warriors Jye Linnane out in a try-saving tackle. This filled the Raiders with confidence as they looked to open the point scoring.
Excitement grew as the Raiders quickly ran the ball out of the in-goal and prevented the Warriors from regaining position. On the second play, the Raiders fullback Ethan Alaia made a line-break, flicked the ball to winger Sione Finau, who sprinted down the centre of the field and scored the opening try of the match.
Coby Black converted the try for an opening 6-0 score.
Shortly after, Canberra closed in for their second try, as Black kicked the ball to the left corner where Kain Anderson was waiting. The Raiders centre won the contest and grounded the ball over the line for a second try and a successful conversion.
Black’s boot continued to deliver when he sent the ball low towards the posts, which allowed Vena Patuki-Case to scoop it up and dive over the line. Another successful conversion by Black kept the Raiders in front 18-0.
The Raiders defence was strong as they held off the New Zealand side’s relentless attack. Eventually, the visitors saw a chance down the left edge, and Daeon Amituanai scored the Warriors first try in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, and the Raiders led the halftime score 18-4.
The Warriors kicked off the second half, and both teams were firing back with hard hits and big runs. Line breaks were stopped by both sides, until a dummy and run by Makaia Tafua broke the Raiders defensive line. The Warriors hooker passed the ball to Captain Luke Metcalf in the open space, who dived over the line for the first try of the half. Metcalf converted his own try, and the Warriors trailed 18-10.
The Raiders responded to the try with fierce defence and powerful attack. Anderson intercepted the ball at the Raiders own line, carried it down the left edge and offloaded it to Alaia, who made it to the Warriors 20 metre line. With the metres gained and the Warriors defence in shambles, Mark Tuialii side-stepped easily through the gap and grounded the ball behind the post. Black converted the try from in front and was geared up to continue the action.
The Warriors dropped the ball on their next set, and it was scooped up by Jayze Tuigamala to give the Raiders another set from halfway. Black continued to shine as he broke through the centre of the New Zealand line and was under the post for another six points after converting.
The next try went to the Raiders Tuigamala down the left edge of the field, and a failed conversion kept the score at 34-10 as the Raiders held their dominant lead.
With five minutes to go, the Warriors saw a chance to gain points. Makaia Tafau passed the ball to Jacob Auloa from dummy half, and they were in for another four points. Metcalf converted the try to make the score 34-16.
The Canberra Raiders defeated the Warriors in a 34-16 victory and continued their winning streak. The home side heads into a bye next week and will rest up to prepare for their matchup against the Bulldogs.
