The Raiders have been defeated by the Roosters in the 2019 NRL Grand Final in what was an absolutely thrilling contest all the way to the final siren.
It was a magnificent showing by the Raiders in defeat, and although they will be bitterly disappointed by the result, they can hold their heads high after some very impressive individual efforts.
2019 NRL Grand Final
» Match report: Roosters go back-to-back
» Player ratings: Sydney Roosters
» WATCH: Video highlights
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 8.5
The Raiders’ fullback capped off an outstanding breakout season with a huge performance in his first Grand Final.
Was in absolutely everything from the get go. Ran for 214m, made 7 tackle busts and looked a constant threat in attack.
Threw a beautiful cut-out ball to Joey Leilua in the second half, which would have resulted in a Raiders try had Leilua passed straight to Rapana outside him.
Unfortunately spent the last 11 minutes off the field after being unable to recover from cramps.
Nick Cotric – 7
Had an impressive appetite for work, but was not as effective as usual coming out of trouble as he made 16 runs for 127m.
Did well in defence. A solid effort for the NSW Origin winger.
Jarrod Croker – 8
A great captain’s knock from the Raiders’ skipper. Tried his absolute guts out all game, but didn’t get the opportunities he would have liked with the ball.
Extra points for his adventure to the other side of the field to help his centre partner Joey Leilua stop a certain Roosters’ try, only to pop up on his side of the field on the next play to help kill another Roosters’ shift.
Joey Leilua – 7
The big Samoan threatened regularly, ran hard and tackled hard too.
Unfortunately he will remember this game for the wayward flick pass he threw to Jordan Rapana in the second half, which would have resulted in a try had Leilua passed straight away rather than attempting a flick pass after contact.
Should be proud of his effort.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Jordan Rapana – 6.5
Solid contributor on the wing. Tried hard getting out of the red zone. Didn’t threaten much in attack. Scored a try that was disallowed for a Leilua forward pass.
Jack Wighton – 9
The Raiders’ best and the best on ground, no question about it. Scored their lone try, kicked brilliantly and worked extremely hard.
A deserving Clive Churchill Medalist.
Aiden Sezer – 7
With Sezer’s future uncertain and talk that he may be going to Huddersfield, the one certainty is that he still has plenty to offer any NRL team that would pay for his services.
Sezer applied plenty of pressure to the Roosters through his kicking game, regularly pinning them back inside their own 10 as well as forcing a drop out.
Didn’t get the opportunities he would’ve liked in attack.
Josh Papalii – 8
Had the most meters of any Raiders forward with 143m off 16 runs. Bent the line back with 53 post-contact meters and worked hard in defence with 31 tackles.
Unfortunately for the Raiders he wasn’t as damaging as he was against the Rabbitohs last week and the Storm 3 weeks ago.
Josh Hodgson – 7.5
Made 33 tackles, but was nullified in attack somewhat and was seemingly hampered by a shoulder injury for much of the second half.
Iosia Soliola – 7
29 tackles for the veteran, but wasn’t as effective in attack as he would have liked, running just 86m off 11 hit ups.
John Bateman – 7
Topped the tackle count with 41, but came up with a crucial miss on Siosiua Taukeiaho late in the game which led directly to James Tedesco’s match-winning try.
Elliot Whitehead – 7.5
Looked dangerous with ball in hand, but didn’t get enough quality ball to really threaten. Great effort in defence with 36 tackles.
Joe Tapine – 8
Eight runs, 78m, 28 post contact and 34 tackles for the big Kiwi. Bent the line backwards and was hard work for the Roosters defenders to contain.
Bailey Simonsson – 5
Only got on for 12 minutes towards the end of the game when Nicoll-Klokstad went off injured. Tried hard but didn’t threaten.
Emre Guler – 5.5
Saw limited game time with just 24 minutes, but worked hard in that time making nine tackles and 66m.
Corey Horsburgh – 6
Played 35 minutes, getting through plenty of work. Ran 10 times for 84m and made 19 important tackles in the middle.
Dunamis Lui – 5
Got 26 minutes of game time. Tried hard but came up with an error right after Jack Wighton scored.
Terry Condylios
Guest
Didn’t Rapana play in the GF?
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
The Canterbury Cup is a highly underrated competition. Obviously it's not the same standard as NRL, but having watched plenty this year for my work, you very regularly get enthralling contests, all without the stupidity we saw in last night's first grade Grand Final.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t think it was one of those games that had standout individual performances - particularly in attack. It was a grinding battle of attrition type of game. As I said I was more than happy with Wighton being MOM but it wasn’t an all time great performance. I don’t think anyone really stood out to rate an 8 out of 10.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Can't agree with all of this Baz. CNK was a rock at the back - ran for 237 metres. Jeez - what more do you want? He may not have scored a try but I thought he was superior to Tedesco on the night. Cramp and exhaustion got him in the end. I'd give him an 8. Thought BJ and Rapana were also very solid without being spectacular. They weren't the Leipana of 2016 but this wasn't a game for throwing it around. And I've forgiven BJ for not throwing that pass. He was trying to draw two Rooster defenders and let Rapana go in untouched. Unfortunately it didn't come off. Thought Sezer was OK but certainly not poor. I'd give him a 6.5. Jack was brilliant - somewhere between an 8 and 9. Agree with your comment elsewhere about Hodgson. Didn't do enough when it really mattered. I'd give him a 6.5. And Tapine gave away some silly penalties that cost the Raiders. He'd be lucky to get a 6.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I guess I should say congratulations to you for being 100% right for the only time ever
kk
Roar Pro
When it comes to ratings I would like to thank Billy Margoulias and his Newtown Jets for the two most exciting games of the season. Grand Finals of The Canterbury Cup and the State Championship. All completed without referee or trainer problems. Billy rated a 10 in both games and Cronulla is lucky to have his services in 2020.
Taree Raider
Guest
The only time ever that I 100% agree with you. Tarpine is very over rated. Ricky's loyalty to him isn't warranted. Tarpine should model his game on every other Raiders forward, run hard, tackle hard. The Roosters won't have Cronk next year, Raiders have got George Williams coming next year. Seizer is not what the Raiders need. A Cronk like halfback has been lacking since Ricky played.
The Barry
Roar Guru
These ratings are waaaay too high CNK was solid but not much more Rapana and Leilua were pretty ineffective and combined to butcher one of the Raiders few genuine chances I’m comfortable with Wighton winning the Churchill but no way was that a 9 star performance Sezer was poor, he’d struggle to get past 5 Tapine was awful in the first half hour. Handed the Roosters their first 8 points
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Wighton was a very deserving CC Medalist. He played brilliantly all game. Fantastic kicking game. Damn he has a big boot. I thought the big redhead, Horsburgh, off the bench had a terrific game. He was heavily involved and looked the goods out there.
Trish Welsh
Guest
Outstanding game. Head and shoulders above the rest. Well deserved.
RoryStorm
Guest
I know Nicoll-Klokstad has had his contract upgraded from the minimum amount but, he would be more worthy of another upgrade after tonight but I'm sure Ricky doesn't expect him to ask for that to happen. Bateman needs to take note. You don't demand an increase after one year. Sick of these players agreeing on a price then after one good year demanding more. I'd like to see a coach refuse to give in to a player and if that players not happy, then make him play out the season in reserves. I know that won't happen but gee I'd love to see it.
Roar GOAT
Roar Rookie
Papali and Tapine were both better than Wighton.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Rapana a 6.5 Didn’t have his usual impact at all.