The Canberra Raiders have beaten the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 28-22 in an entertaining NRL trial at the Bega Recreation Ground.
A strong wind threatened to play a key role in the contest and the Bulldogs were fortunate to use it in the first half.
The Raiders came home with that advantage in the second and ran the blue and whites down in the final minutes.
After disappointing seasons in 2018, both sides were looking for a quick start to the new season and it was the Bulldogs who looked to be the sharpest of the two early on.
A double to Kerrod Holland and tries to Aiden Tolman and Reimis Smith set up a dominant 22-6 lead at the break, after Royce Hunt had opened the scoring for the Raiders.
With Kieran Foran finally on the field and the Bulldogs looking enthusiastic and sharp in attack, they were clearly the better side in the first 40 minutes.
The Raiders were clunky at best and failed to create meaningful chances. The Canterbury defence held out the green machine on a number of occasions and the lack of variety in attack from the Raiders was clear for all to see.
As is the case with trial matches, Dylan Napa, Foran and other Bulldog stars were rested in the second half, as the Raiders took advantage with Nick Cotric benefiting on the left edge with a double.
Sam Williams added some much need spark when he took to the field and the young Dogs had no answer over the final half hour as the Raiders ran riot.
More important than the result was the performances of some potentially key players for both teams in 2019. Napa only played a cameo role but looked excellent for the Bulldogs.
Jeremy Marshall-King added some spice to the attack and Sauaso Sue worked hard in the middle along with Ofahiki Ogden.
The Raiders staff will have been impressed with the performances of Emre Guler, Corey Horsburgh and Royce Hunt, who all look like staking claims on a first grade spot at some stage of the season.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was solid at the back and the longer the game went, the better Jack Wighton became.
The replay will be far more important to the coaches than the score line and both sides will walk away feeling that they did a lot right in an entertaining and competitive trial.
Final Score
Canberra Raiders 28
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 22
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