The Canberra Raiders have emerged 42-16 victors over a gallant but injury-ravaged Titans outfit on the Gold Coast.
The Raiders though had to win the game twice tonight, after being pegged back significantly despite leading 26-4 at one stage in the first half.
The Titans began the second half on fire and got back to within ten points of the Green Machine.
The Titans had chances to close the gap further but the Raiders did enough to hold out and pile on several second-half tries to end the contest.
In attack, the Raiders don’t need to convince anyone of their attacking might. Jordan Rapana finished with a hat-trick. Josh Papalii always dangerous. Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer asking questions. Just lethal all round.
Defence however remains Canberra’s Achilles heel, and they were unconvincing against a depleted Titans outfit that opened them up far too easily up the middle tonight.
Canberra must improve this area of their game if they hope to lift a premiership come October. The ball is in their court.
Rob
Guest
Sorry my bad. I was sure he was playing in Queensland as a junior and with the Titans originally?
Raider 89
Guest
I don't think to many Raiders will get chosen for origin. Papalli and Boyd perhaps. NSW will pick the same side as always and lose as always. They won't pick Jarrod or anyone else.
Swannies
Guest
Not sure if Raiders can get any better and they need to hope injuries and Origin don't derail their season. Dragons would certainly be a breath of fresh air in the finals this year and they could be a smokey for 2018.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Yeah - keep dishing it out to the Raiders boys. I'll take a 42-16 win and a rating of 7/10 with a positive for and against of 47 sitting in 5th position on the table. I watched the replay and thought they looked pretty good apart from a few minutes either side of half time. A couple of soft tries is disappointing but their defence has been much better this season. Paulo and Boyd were great in the first 30 minutes and Paulo ended up running for over 200 metres for the match. Rapana was great with 240 run metres but he had plenty of mates. Thing is the Raiders will only get better as the season progresses. I like Ash Taylor as a player but he was a pathetic turnstile last night.
Raider 89
Guest
You guys kidding? You put the boot into Canberra for giving up 16 points while scoring 42 of their own. why don't sick the boot into the Tigers for giving up 16 points of their own on the road.
sham
Guest
Would be but he plays for the Kiwis
kk
Roar Pro
When Ashley Taylor trots on to the paddock grandstands come to attention and hands get ready to clap. Taylor as a Titan for Life is a necessity for the club to prosper. Without Jordan Rapana the Vikings would have a problem and rate <7/10. Thankfully he is Origin free. His mate Leilua seems to be playing injured.
Rob
Guest
Rapana could be a good inclusion for the Maroons.
Swannies
Guest
Raiders not quite there yet and defence is not reliable. Rate them 7/10.
Roberto
Guest
Gave up soft tries to the lowly injury ravaged Titans is the worry if I were a Raiders fan.
Stripes
Guest
Raiders were in second gear tonight- on their day be hard to beat - one team no one would look forward in playing