The Canberra Raiders’ late season charge towards the finals remains on track courtesy of another strong 36-16 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
New Zealand Warriors 16
Canberra Raiders 36
The Canberra Raiders need to defeat the New Zealand Warriors this afternoon if they wish to keep their finals hopes alive. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm AEST.
Is the Green Machine finally starting to fire? Back to back wins over the Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs suggests that the Raiders are finally clicking into gear, in the nick of time.
With three matches remaining after this one, the Raiders finals destiny is still in their own hands but a win today is a must against a Warriors team devoid of confidence and form.
The Warriors have lost their past five matches and are once again destined to miss the finals. The off-season, to be honest, cannot come quickly enough for a New Zealand side in desperate need of restructuring both on and off the field.
Depending on how the Raiders begin this afternoon, today’s contest could very well be a one sided affair, particularly if the likes of Josh Papalii are allowed to steamroll their way through the middle of the Warriors pack.
Although Warriors stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kieran Foran will always pose a threat with the football in hand, the Raiders finally showed the steel required last week against the Sharks to suggest that they have what it takes to secure two more priceless competition points this afternoon
With the likes of Josh Hodgson, Aiden Sezar, Jordan Rapana, Nick Cotric and Blake Austin beginning to hit their stride, the form guide points to a comfortable Raiders victory.
Prediction
With tough matches against the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm coming up, the Raiders cannot lose to the Warriors this afternoon. If the Raiders get off to a quick start, they are the type of team that can pile on the points and blow teams away. On form, they should do just against New Zealand.
Raiders by 16
kiwijack
Guest
Dreadful, really what is their problem ?
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Grrrr. five losses in golden point or the last few minutes... they cast their doleful shadow ever more each week.
Lilly
Guest
The warriors should stop losing get out there and do there job or if they don't why should the Be playing
Jon
Roar Rookie
Half way through that 2nd half it looked like the game would be close, but just 3 mins later the Raider threw two quick tries on the board and the Warriors never got close. Some good play by the Raiders, but there was some pretty dire stuff from the Warriors as well that helped. Raiders still in the hunt for the finals, though I still don't think they'll get over the line.
Alan
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report Warriors 16 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Warriors 16 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
Papalii crosses over for the Warriors. A mere consolation try as the Warriors slump to their sixth straight defeat. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Warriors 16 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY WARRIORS Warriors 14 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
The Raiders with this win will remain in 10th position on the ladder, four points behind the 8th placed Cowboys on 28. They are still walking on a tightrope and must win their remaining fixtures no questions asked. Warriors 10 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
The Raiders now running away with this. A comfortable victory on paper but midway through the second half, the game was in the balance at 18-10. The Raiders have done well and approach a blockbuster against Penrith next week full of confidence. Warriors 10 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
Cotric scores his second try of the afternoon and he continues to impress at such a young age! A great find for Canberra. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Warriors 10 Raiders 36
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RAIDERS Warriors 10 Raiders 34
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Raiders in complete control now of this contest. Points are wrapped up. Warriors will lose six in a row. Warriors 10 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Raiders could pile on the points in the last ten minutes here. Warriors tried hard for 20 minutes in the second half but once again failed to hold out in crucial moments. Raiders comfortable. Warriors 10 Raiders 30
Johnybulldog
Guest
Go you good things!
Alan
Roar Guru
And that should seal the deal for Canberra! Rapana scores and the Raiders surely will secure three straight wins and keep their season alive! What a match next week against the Panthers coming up... CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Warriors 10 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RAIDERS Warriors 10 Raiders 28
Alan
Roar Guru
62' - Raiders now out to a vital 14 point lead. Beyond two converted tries with just under 20 remaining. Three wins on the trot now within sight for the Raiders.. Warriors 10 Raiders 24
Alan
Roar Guru
Leilua scores for Canberra just when they needed it most! The Warriors momentum comes to a halt and Canberra can breathe just a little easier now. Big try. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Warriors 10 Raiders 24
Jon
Roar Rookie
Warriors have done all the work and then to let in quite an easy try has to be disappointing.