Canberra claimed a thrilling goldenpoint win over the Parramatta Eels thanks to a try from Josh Hodgson.
>>MATCH REPORT: Raiders win goldenpoint thriller over Eels
Parramatta 24 def. by Canberra 28
The Parramatta Eels and the Canberra Raiders will be hoping to finish their underwhelming seasons on a high note, after both sides narrowly missed out on this year’s finals. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEST).
With only for-and-against separating these two teams on the ladder, the Eels come into the match as favourites and will be keen to make amends for their failure to beat the Raiders in the corresponding fixture last year.
Parramatta will be without the services of eight regular first-graders, including Nathan Peats, Anthony Watmough, Brad Takairangi and Danny Wicks.
Their inability to hold onto a lead has cost them a spot in this year’s top eight, after being up 18-0 at halftime against the Sydney Roosters, and winning by 6 with 10 minutes remaining against the Sharks.
The Raiders on the other hand have been far too inconsistent in 2015. Their attack has been outstanding, scoring 549 points – the third highest in the league.
However, their defence needs to improve drastically heading into next season as they currently have the fourth worst defensive record.
Canberra will again rely heavily on the influence of Blake Austin, who has been in exceptional form all year. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will have some extra motivation, wanting to finish above his former club for the first time since leaving Parramatta in 2013.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 1:45pm (AEST), and don’t hesitate to leave your comments in the section below.
GTW
Guest
Parrafan, you don't mind getting two tries awarded that were blatant knock on's do you? But you still whinge. You whinge about Ricky but he left your team in a better state than he found it. Arthur is an illusion, and I look forward to next year. There is not one chance in ten million that parra will finish ahead of the Raiders in 2016. Watching that game yesterday, the Parra fans were acting like Manly fans - not every call or penalty can go your way, so don't expect it. Have a nice off-season - at least we have hope.
Parrafan
Guest
You obviously didn't see the obstruction which led to a try in the 2nd half. Morgan be penalised for the kick not going 10 metres. and then Rads penalised for having the ball stolen off him. All three plays led to raiders trys. I really hope Badger doesn't get to ref any finals games because he simply does not know the rules. Also on rads, his second try was put down on the point. His first was suspect but went up a try and not conclusive to take it off.
Irritated By Stupidity
Guest
Yeah you obviously didn't see Semi's 2 tries.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Not sure how the Raiders won that game. They had 40% of possession, had to tackle Parra 60 times in their 20, and lost a player to the sin bin with 8 minutes to go. The Raiders defence has been suspect for much of the season but should be given some credit for the way they hung in today. It was a gutsy win full of character. Rapana was great - interesting battle between him and Radrada. Croker was terrific in defence and attack and nailed a clutch conversion at full time and Hodgson iced the game with a brilliant final play in extra time. So many emotions watching that game - happy, sad, happy, angry, happy, bewildered and finally happy. Good signs for next season.
Parrafan
Guest
lol controversy. You've been speaking to ricky too much. Ricky can't complain about refs for a couple of years after today. Should be on his knees to Badger. Pathetic.
Jono
Guest
Nice way for the Raiders to end what has been a disappointing season. Looked like referee controversies would again rear their heads to impact the game against the Raiders, but in the end it was one for them after a terrible kick off from Croker that allowed them to stay in and push for golden point. Then after so many close losses they managed to sneak a win in. There was no more deserving player to score the winning try than Hodgson. Austin gets the most attention due to the fact he is an Australian and eligible for NSW, but the English hooker has been more consistently the Raiders best and their buy of the year. There have been far more good signs this season compared to last year and it seems the team is heading in the right direction. Sticky just needs to teach the outside defenders to not come in so much and this Raiders side could be a more credible contender for the finals next year.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I agree should have been used in the first half as well..
Richard Maybury
Guest
Thanks
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hi Richard, It has to do with how the URL works. After you leave a comment, there is an ID number that gets added to the end of your URL. What you need to do it either click refresh or remove that ID number to rejoin the newest comments. That is if you have the same problem I do.
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
Canberra managed to grind out the win today with Jarrod Crocker named Man Of The Match, Full Time - Canberra 28 - 24 Eels After a slow first half, both teams really turned in up for the second half and we got the entertaining encounter we had hoped for. That's all from me, but stick around on The Roar as the Sharks kick off against Manly. Thanks for reading!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
Sorry about that. We will do our best to try and fix the problem!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
CANBERRA WIN! Josh Hodgson fools everyone as the Parramatta defenders run to stop the Field Goal and the dummy half runs straight over to score!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
TRY TIME RAIDERS!!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
Sisa Waqa comes back into the game after his sin bin. And it gets better for Canberra as they force a mistake and have the ball 40 metres out from the Eels line 83 minutes gone
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
82 minutes gone! Parramatta had a real chance to take the game there but the Raiders defended brilliantly. 24 All
Richard Maybury
Guest
This thing fails to refresh sometimes.
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
Parramatta kick off Golden Point!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
Eels 24 - 24 Raiders! We are about to enter Golden Point after a thrilling second half! It really is anyones game!
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
CROCKER KICKS IT FROM THE SIDE LINE!! 24 ALL. EXTRA TIME HERE WE COME
Anthony Casa
Roar Rookie
TRY TIME RAIDERS!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! Edrick Lee scores in the corner with 10 seconds remaining! Crocker needs to slot one from the side line to level scores! Eels 24 - 22 Raiders kick to come to