Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans: NRL live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Junior, 15 Jul 2012 Junior is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
- Tagged:
- Canberra Raiders, Gold Coast Titans, live blog, NRL, Rugby League
The Canberra Raiders will host the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium on Sunday 15 July. Both teams will be desperate for the competition points to force their way into the semi-final reckoning. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm AEST.
The Raiders have surged into final eight contention after consecutive wins over the St George-Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm.
Don Furner’s men are now just two points off the eighth-placed Warriors, an unlikely position when you recall they were lapped 40-0 by the Tigers a little over a month ago.
What’s changed? Self-belief and Reece Robinson. The previously unheralded Raiders flyer has turned in some outstanding performances filling in for an injured Josh Dugan at fullback.
He has consistently bobbed up at second receiver and used his pace and guile to create gaps for his outside me to run into. Of the 11 tries scored by the Raiders in these last two wins, Robinson has been credited with an assist for three of them and scored four himself. His form has been so good people have been asking about his Origin eligibility. (NSW, for the record.)
For the Titans, they will be looking to avoid three straight losses after registering losses to the Dragons and the NZ Warriors. They are only four points out of the eight themselves, but will need to start stringing wins together if they are to challenge for a finals berth.
The Titans’ halves combination will hold the key to their chances. Scott Prince’s astute kicking game and passing ability are well documented. It’s when he combines these with darts at the line, as he has in recent weeks, that he can cause more havoc.
Prince’s halves partner Aidan Sezer is more than ten years his junior and is starting to impose himself on games in his rookie season.
In team news, the Raiders have named an unchanged side from the team that defeated the competition front-runners last start. Sam Mataora has been included on a five-man bench, but is likely to drop off.
Gold Coast have made several changes to the team that lost to the Warriors. Dominique Peyroux replaces the injured Beau Champion in the starting right centre spot, while Steve Michaels comes in for David Mead on the right wing. Luke Bailey and Nate Myles have both been named to return in the starting 13, but Myles remains doubtful.
The Titans’ other Origin players, Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird, are still out injured. Beau Falloon (ex-Souths) meanwhile has been named on a five-man bench, and will be looking to make his Titans debut and his first top grade appearance for almost two years.
The Raiders won the previous clash between these two teams at Skilled Park, but that was back in March and little should be read into this. If the Raiders, playing in front of their home fans, can continue their impressive recent form, they should be too strong for a Titans outfit that still struggles to post points consistently.
Prediction: Raiders by 14.
Will the pace and flair of the Raiders backline blow away their opponents to make it three wins on the trot for the first time this season or will the Titans keep their slim finals hopes alive with a grinding win in hostile territory?
Find out from 2:00pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and commentary. If you’re watching or following along, feel free to leave a comment in the space below.
Passionate about your league? Then sign up to The Roar's brand new daily league email, delivering Roaring articles directly to you day-in, day-out. You'll love it!
Click here to join now!
Looking to join The Roar team? We're searching for an experienced Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. Yes, this does mean you get to work with the site all day long! If you're a digital media sales star, we want to hear from you. Apply now.
The Crowd Says (66) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Canberra Raiders, Gold Coast Titans, live blog, NRL, Rugby League
4:18pm
sean maguire said | 4:18pm | Report comment
Ugly game of football. How Furner can keep his job is beyond me.
3:59pm
Junior said | 3:59pm | Report comment
FULL TIME Titans 38, Raiders 26.
GAME SUMMARY
After a freakishly lucky start, the Raiders went in early and then put the cue away. Titans stepped up and rattled in five tries in the first half with both sides of the Raiders’ defence exposed. That was effectively the game. The Titans’ defence, apart from the final frantic minutes, was strong up the middle; really, one of the club’s trademarks. Canberra in contrast were flat defensively, which allowed the Titans’ outside men to cash in. Zillman had a cracker of a match with multiple line busts, two tries and lots of cleaning up at the back. The Titans are now level on points with the Raiders in the ladder and a late season charge could see them sneak into the eight. The Raiders seemed to have their head in the clouds for much of the match and played accordingly. Looked a totally different team to the one that beat the Dragons and Storm in previous weeks. Furner will have to get his men to lift dramatically if they are to threaten the Sharks away from home next week.
That’s it for now from Canberra Stadium. Time to put the kettle on and get the blanket over the knees. Hope you enjoyed the coverage.
3:45pm
Junior said | 3:45pm | Report comment
FULL TIME Titans 38, Raiders 26.
Titans blew the Raiders away in the first half and did enough to hang on in the second. Raiders finished with a wet sail but very disappointing overall.
3:44pm
Junior said | 3:44pm | Report comment
80′ Titans 38, Raiders 26. TRY Raiders. Joel Thompson this time. Another long range effort, this time down the left side. McCrone spread it wide to Thompson who stood up Idris. Found Lee on his left who drew the fullback and gave it back to Thompson who had stayed alive. Some respect in the score. Kick unsuccessful.
3:46pm
Trent said | 3:46pm | Report comment
5 more minutes raiders would of got em
4:03pm
Junior said | 4:03pm | Report comment
I wouldn’t doubt that the way they were coming home. Think the Titans just stopped playing to be honest. Would have been a massive shock if the Raiders got the points based on the balance of play.
3:41pm
Junior said | 3:41pm | Report comment
78′ Titans 38, Raiders 22. TRY Raiders. Robinson backs up inside a Ferguson burst down the right wing. More razzle-dazzle stuff. Needed this earlier but Titans look to have switched off. Scoreline not suggestive of the difference between the two teams.
3:38pm
Junior said | 3:38pm | Report comment
77′ Titans 38, Raiders 16. TRY Raiders. Croker on end of WIlliams grubber after a sweeping attacking move more reminiscent of previous weeks. Converts his own try. Nice try but way too little way too late.
3:36pm
Junior said | 3:36pm | Report comment
75′ Titans 38, Raiders 10. Aidan Sezer reportedly has broken his hand. Big loss for the Titans if he misses too much game time. Only real negative out of this game for the Titans.
3:35pm
Junior said | 3:35pm | Report comment
73′ Titans 38, Raiders 10. TRY Titans. Zillman crosses over after a couple of inside balls set him on his way. Douglas popped the final pass but Zillman did all the work swerving and twisting through a staggered defensive line. Has to be close to man of the match. Prince converts from near enough to in front.
3:32pm
Junior said | 3:32pm | Report comment
71′ Titans 32, Raiders 10. Ferguson intercept attempt fails and Titans will get another set 30m out. He was away there if it stuck.
3:31pm
Junior said | 3:31pm | Report comment
69′ Titans 32, Raiders 10. TRY Raiders. Sam Williams stretches out and gets a try he deserves. One of few players in Green who hasn’t stopped trying. Conversion goes over from Croker. A couple more here would make it respectable.
3:29pm
Junior said | 3:29pm | Report comment
68′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. Penalty Raiders. Untidy tackle “past the horizontal”. Raiders looking for a consolation with 12m on the clock.
3:27pm
Junior said | 3:27pm | Report comment
65′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. Raiders looking like a rabble in attack. Almost like they’ve never played together at times. Confidence must be shot. Have to give credit to Titans though. Had everything to play for, playing away from home, couple of players out. They’ve really stuck to their task. Cartwright will be happy.
3:24pm
Junior said | 3:24pm | Report comment
63′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. Raiders grubber picked up by Zillman who ignites another mini-bust. Idris dragged down 40m out. Looks like he’s slowed down a little.
3:23pm
Junior said | 3:23pm | Report comment
61′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. 40/20 from Williams. There’s a positive.
3:21pm
Junior said | 3:21pm | Report comment
58′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. Prince finds touch professionally. Raiders players playing for their places for next week. Need to show the jersey some respect. Need to show the fans that you care.
3:19pm
Junior said | 3:19pm | Report comment
57′ Titans 32, Raiders 4. TRY Titans. O’Dwyer off a Prince face pass and pushes off a feeble Ferguson tackle to go over. Woeful effort really from the Raiders. Heads are down across the board. More than 20m left and Raiders have raised the white flag. Crowd has to be disappointed. Conversion misses. 2/7 for Prince.
3:16pm
Junior said | 3:16pm | Report comment
56′ Titans 28, Raiders 4. Canberra ruled to have stripped the ball. Berrigan the culprit. Titans tap on half way. They just have to stand up here to win it seems.
3:15pm
Junior said | 3:15pm | Report comment
53′ Titans 28, Raiders 4. TRY Titans. Falloon over from dummy half on debut for Titans. Beside the posts so Prince gets this one. Far too easy for the Titans there. Furner may as well have sent in his budgie to give the halftime address for all the effect it’s had.
3:13pm
Junior said | 3:13pm | Report comment
53′ Titans 22, Raiders 4 White held up for the Titans. Tackle three. Back to the 10m. 91% possession to Titans last five minutes.
3:12pm
Junior said | 3:12pm | Report comment
51′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Sezer grubber looked to be going dead until it bobbed up and hit Ferguson on the noggin. Drop out Canberra.
3:11pm
Junior said | 3:11pm | Report comment
50′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Raiders give away penalty for incorrect play the ball. Titans another chance. Not doing themselves any favours the Raiders. Looks like it’s not going to be their afternoon. Only hope is if Titans’ attack doesn’t fire.
3:09pm
Junior said | 3:09pm | Report comment
48′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. This time Williams called up for a forward pass. 1-1 on that count. Score still 22-4 Titans. Scrum Titans 40m out.
3:08pm
Junior said | 3:08pm | Report comment
47′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Eating up the yards here the Titans. Not great signs for Raiders supporters. Forward pass from Prince adjudged by refs. Raiders have the pill, 30m out.
3:06pm
Junior said | 3:06pm | Report comment
46′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Video ref decision. Checking for knock on from Croker. Looks unlikely. NO TRY.
3:05pm
Junior said | 3:05pm | Report comment
46′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Zillman makes another line break but is tackled. No dummy half and Lee picks it up. Raiders in possession.
3:04pm
Junior said | 3:04pm | Report comment
45′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Berrigan goes himself from dummy half on last tackle. Nothing play. Experienced player should know better.
3:03pm
Junior said | 3:03pm | Report comment
44′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Prince kick deep and Lee takes it on the full. Sezer penalised for offside. Raiders now 40m out.
3:01pm
Junior said | 3:01pm | Report comment
41′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Minichiello held up by the headgeared twins on the left side on the last tackle. Turnover. Good defence from the Raiders there to effectively keep them in the game.
3:00pm
Junior said | 3:00pm | Report comment
40′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Titans kick off hits the goal post. You wouldn’t believe it! Titans possession 10m out. Chance to ice the game right here.
2:56pm
Junior said | 2:56pm | Report comment
HALF TIME Titans 22, Raiders 4.
Thoughts so far: Raiders came out of the blocks quickly after the amateur kick off reception from Titans 5/8 Sezer. Two drop outs later and the Raiders were over and it looked like a long afternoon for the Titans. Two minutes in however and the Raiders had peaked. From there on it was a Titans procession. Five unanswered tries. If Prince could slot the wide ones, they’d be out of reach. Offloads and crucial missed tackles are hurting the Raiders. The home team looks as though they’ve been dining out on their recent form all week and were expecting to coast this one in. Titans showing some spirit but in truth they were not up against much in that half. Fans booing told the story. Can the Raiders regroup after the coach’s half time spray or will the Titans close it out like a true semi final team would? We’ll find out shortly. Back soon.
2:47pm
Junior said | 2:47pm | Report comment
HALF TIME Titans 22, Raiders 4. No damage done. Or at least no more damage. Raiders head into rooms with fans’ boos ringing in their ears. The earful won’t stop there either. Furner awaits.
2:46pm
Junior said | 2:46pm | Report comment
39′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Robinson trapped in-goal. Drop out Raiders. Final chance in the first half. Furner must be going purple with rage in the coaches box.
2:44pm
Junior said | 2:44pm | Report comment
38′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Disjointed set from the Raiders. Titans defence holding firm. Furner can’t wait to get them in the sheds, hopefully before any more points are conceded.
2:42pm
Junior said | 2:42pm | Report comment
36′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Zillman sniffs out another Williams kick (almost identical) and this time heads up the field. Dragged down on half way. Outstanding play by the diminutive Titans fullback.
2:40pm
Junior said | 2:40pm | Report comment
34′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Prince grubber goes dead. Raiders get it back on 20m. Now get a penalty for a piggy back up to half way.
2:39pm
Junior said | 2:39pm | Report comment
33′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Raiders lose the ball and Titans have an attacking scrum just as Raiders were getting a sniff.
2:38pm
Junior said | 2:38pm | Report comment
32′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Couple of big shots from the Canberra defence. Trying to spark something. Let’s see how they go.
2:37pm
Junior said | 2:37pm | Report comment
31′ Titans 22, Raiders 4. Work it out? Forget that! TRY Titans. Bailey pops a pass infield, they swing it wide and speedster Steve Michaels crosses for number two. Ghosted past Robinson but the damage was done further up the park. Prince misses another conversion. 22 unanswered!
2:34pm
Junior said | 2:34pm | Report comment
28′ Titans 18, Raiders 4. Gordon takes a non-threatening short kick for the Titans and they’re looking to work it out of their half.
2:33pm
Junior said | 2:33pm | Report comment
27′ Titans 18, Raiders 4. Zillman snuffs out Williams’ grubber on the last tackle. Nice work by the Titans custodian there.
2:32pm
Junior said | 2:32pm | Report comment
26′ Titans 18, Raiders 4. Play the ball penalty to Raiders helps. Being given every chance to get back into the game.
2:31pm
Junior said | 2:31pm | Report comment
25′ Titans 18, Raiders 4. Raiders have dropped right off after dominating, or being allowed to dominate, early on. Lost ball for Titans though. Chance for Raiders now to hit back.
2:29pm
Junior said | 2:29pm | Report comment
22′ Titans 18, Raiders 4. TRY Titans. Luke Douglas goes over for a soft one. On the back of a couple ruck penalties. Looks like the old Raiders have turned up here. Much easier kick is successful this time
2:27pm
Junior said | 2:27pm | Report comment
20′ Titans 12, Raiders 4. More kick off blues. This time Robinson kicks it over the touch line on the full. Criminal at this level. Titans could go back to back here.
2:26pm
Junior said | 2:26pm | Report comment
18′ Titans 12, Raiders 4. TRY Titans. Good one too. Srama darted out of dummy half who found Idris who broke the line flicked pass to Minichiello who had two options to choose from. Chose Michaels who went over unchallenged. Kick again unsuccessful.
2:24pm
Junior said | 2:24pm | Report comment
16′ Titans 8, Raiders 4. Good set by Raiders there, followed up with good kick and chase. Have Titans hemmed in.
2:22pm
Junior said | 2:22pm | Report comment
16′ Titans 8, Raiders 4. Titans chip on the last. Earl takes it for Raiders, throws it back in desperation but Titans knock it on. Raiders scrum feed 10m out. Titans looking pretty solid.
2:20pm
Junior said | 2:20pm | Report comment
14′ Titans 8, Raiders 4. Prince kicks well on the 4th tackle. Good chase too. Hard work for Raiders here to get it away.
2:19pm
Junior said | 2:19pm | Report comment
13′ Titans 8, Raiders 4. TRY. No problems. Titans swung it left and Gordon bobbled with no Raiders’ touch. BTW mullet has a rat tail. Cool. Conversion misses again.
2:17pm
Junior said | 2:17pm | Report comment
12′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. Another video ref decision. Gordon juggled the ball before grounding it out wide. Think it’s OK
2:17pm
Junior said | 2:17pm | Report comment
12′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. No TRY. Back to the 10m line three tackles left.
2:16pm
Junior said | 2:16pm | Report comment
12′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. Video ref decision. Ben Ridge looks like he’s been held up. Very close. Awaiting decision.
2:15pm
Junior said | 2:15pm | Report comment
11′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. Sezer bomb claimed then fumbled by Williams. Titans get it back and are on the attack.
2:14pm
Junior said | 2:14pm | Report comment
10′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. Canberra’s McCrone grubbers to Gordon at end of a steady set. Titans work it away.
2:13pm
Junior said | 2:13pm | Report comment
9′ Raiders 4, Titans 4. Titans don’t stuff up the kick off this time. Cartwright will be ecstatic with the dramatic improvement.
2:11pm
Junior said | 2:11pm | Report comment
7′ Raiders 4, Titans 4 TRY Titans. Zillman fends off McCrone and glides over against his old team. Too easy. Four sets, two tries. This could be a cricket score. Prince misses kick. All even.
2:10pm
Junior said | 2:10pm | Report comment
5′ Raiders 4, Titans 0 Fensom knocks on in the tackle 40m out. Scrum Titans. Chance finally for the away team.
2:08pm
Junior said | 2:08pm | Report comment
3′ Raiders 4, Titans 0. Croker misses conversion. Still 4-0.
2:08pm
Junior said | 2:08pm | Report comment
2′ Raiders 4, Titans 0 TRY Raiders. Ferguson strolls over in the corner. Terrible start by the Titans. Have not seen the ball yet and are down 4-0.
2:06pm
Junior said | 2:06pm | Report comment
2′ Raiders 0, Titans 0 Edrick Lee almost put over in the corner. Titans last touch. Another drop out for them. Ideal start for Raiders.
2:05pm
Junior said | 2:05pm | Report comment
1’ Here we go! Raiders kick off. Disastrous start by Sezer. Catches the pill then puts his foot out. Drop out Titans.
Early mullet alert: Kevin Gordon. Check it out.
2:01pm
Drew said | 2:01pm | Report comment
Come on Titans!
1:44pm
Junior said | 1:44pm | Report comment
Teams changes: Dominque Peyroux switches back to the bench for the Gold Coast with Luke O’Dwyer taking his place the centres. Meanwhile Dane Tilse has not come through a fitness test for the Raiders and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, named on the bench earlier in the week, will start the game at prop. Sam Mataora will start on the bench for the Green Machine.
Join us shortly for kick off. Feel free to share your thoughts during the game.
1:34pm
Junior said | 1:34pm | Report comment
Welcome to this afternoon’s live NRL blog of the Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans clash from Canberra Stadium. It’s Canberra, it’s winter, it’s barely 10 degrees.
First grade kicks off in about 30 mins. Should be an interesting match. Raiders are favourites in front of their home fans on the back of strong performances in recent weeks. The Titans’ all time record in Canberra isn’t great (one from five) and today’s match is almost last chance saloon for them.
Toyota Cup full time score: Raiders 34 Titans 14. Raiders move to outright third in the NYC comp while Titans’ players are playing for NRL contracts.