The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders return to winning ways following a 24-20 victory against the Cronulla Sharks, conquering Ocean Protect Stadium for the first time since 2019.
Conceding a penalty for obstructing the kick chase in the opening three minutes, Canberra found themselves behind on the scoreboard 2-0 following a successful penalty by Nicho Hynes.
Off the back of another penalty following the restart, Braydon Trindall took full advantage of some space in behind, chasing his on grubber for the opening try of the contest.
Whilst in front on the scoreboard, Cronulla were forced into an early interchange after Trindall left the field with an apparent shoulder injury.
Xavier Savage responded shortly after, demonstrating his blistering speed down the right-hand side to finish off a long-ranged pursuit from the Green Machine.
Ignoring the temptation to take two points and level the scoreboard, Owen Pattie propelled the Raiders into the lead after catching the markers off guard and doing it all himself from the base of the ruck.
Despite having momentum right on their side, Canberra would be forced to see out the remainder of the match with only 15 players after Morgan Smithies failed his HIA.
Canberra’s defence solidified off the back of their improving attack, turning the Sharks away on a number of occasions.
There was no greater example of Canberra’s resilience in defence then Savage’s effort in the 29th minute, scrambling to tackle KL Iro into touch before making his way to the line.
The Raiders efforts were duly rewarded as Jed Stuart crossed for their third of the afternoon, benefitting from a pin-point pass over the top by Ethan Strange.
Cronulla eventually caught the Raiders on the back foot in the 36th minute through Teig Wilton, as the edge forward barged over from short range for the Sharks second.
Following a heart stopping final play by Cronulla, the Raiders desperation proved crucial once more, heading into the sheds leading 18-14 having completed at 100% in the first 40.
Returning from the break, both sides struggled to work themselves back into the contest, as a number of error’s halted any go forward.
It was yet another error that led to the first points of the second half, as William Kennedy pounced upon a dropped ball at the back from Kaeo Weekes, placing Cronulla back in front.
Joe Tapine took matters into his own hands shortly after, powering his way to the line for his first four-pointer of the season and swinging the scoreboard back in Canberra’s favour once again.
Following a review by The Bunker, the on-field referee’s decision of no try was upheld as the Raiders turned the Sharks away time-and-time again to keep their noses in front with under 10 minutes remaining.
Parked on their own line for the best part of the second half, Canberra continued to turn up for one another in defence to overcome a number of lead changes, defeating the Sharks 24-20.
