Storm
18
Match Complete
Raiders
22
| 76 |  | J. Croker | ||
| 75 |  | J. Papalii | ||
| 71 | | J. Croker | ||
| 70 | | J. Rapana | ||
| 53 | | J. Croker | ||
| 51 | | J. Croker | ||
| 32 | | J. Croker | ||
| C. Smith | | 29 | ||
| S. Vunivalu | | 27 | ||
| C. Smith | | 18 | ||
| J. Addo-Carr | | 16 | ||
| C. Smith | | 6 | ||
| J. Olam | | 5 |
| 3 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Match result:
The Canberra Raiders have announced themselves as contenders in 2019 with a 4-point victory over the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne.
Trailing 18-0 at one stage and with just 12 players on the field for 20 of the first 26 minutes of the game, it was a truly remarkable comeback victory for Ricky Stuart’s Raiders.
Hooker and captain was far from his best tonight, coming up with several uncharacteristic errors. He was however still instrumental in the clutch moments, coming up with some great plays to keep his side in the game, and ultimately give the Raiders the lead.
The Storm started with a strangle hold on the game, starving the Raiders of possession early by forcing repeat sets. Jack Wighton was sent to the bin in the 4th minute of the game for tackling a Storm player from an offside position when they were in a position to score. The Storm capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Justin Olam opening the scoring for a 6-0 lead.
Within minutes of Wighton coming back onto the field lock forward Joe Tapine was sent to the bin for his own indiscretion, fighting with Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the scrum. This led to another Melbourne try, this time to Josh Addo-Carr after Olam set up his outside man with a beautiful flick pass out the back.
A try to Suliasi Vunivalu against the run of play in the 27th minute saw the Storm go even further ahead. But the Raiders were able to hit back through co-captain Jarrod Croker in the 32nd minute to send both sides to the break at 18 points to 4.
The Raiders signaled their intent early in the half when Josh Hodgson kicked a 40/20 in the first set after the break. They were unable to capitalise on that play, but it was a sign of things to come as the Raiders would have plenty more chances as the half wore on.
The second half was a tight arm wrestle in the early stages. It was played at a very fast, giving the game a big-match, semi-final feel to it. The Raiders managed a try in the 51st minute to Jordan Rapana, who dived over in the corner after being denied from a similar position earlier.
The Raiders had a lot more chances on the Storm’s line, but errors cost them at crucial times as they let the Storm off the hook time and time again. It was only in the 70th minute, when Jarrod Croker crashed over for his 2nd try of the game that the comeback from the away side began to have traction.
A one on one strip by the NRL’s number one stripper Josh Hodgson gave the Raiders possession 30m out with 4 minutes on the clock. The Storm were unable to cope with this sudden change of possession, and several plays later it was Hodgson from dummy half putting front-rower Josh Papalii through a gap to score under the posts and seal the game for the Raiders.
With the Storm unable to mount a comeback with 3 minutes remaining, it was the Raiders who ran away with the result, drawing level on 30 points with the 2nd placed Roosters, and beating one of the other competition heavyweights in the process.
Final score
Storm 18
Raiders 22
Match preview:
It’s first versus third on NRL Super Saturday Round 22, and the second top-four blockbuster in as many weeks for these two teams as the Canberra Raiders travel to Melbourne to face the ladder-leaders the Storm. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).
The Storm – victorious against the fourth-placed South Sydney Rabbitohs last week on the Central Coast – have made two changes to their line-up for this week’s massive clash.
New Zealand international Jahrome Hughes is welcomed back at fullback in place the impressive Nicho Hynes, who debuted last week against the Rabbitohs. Ryan Papenhuyzen also returns to the side on the bench, with Billy Walters dropped to the reserves.
The Raiders, who lost few admirers in their 4-point defeat at the hands of the defending premiers the Roosters last week, have also made two changes to their side.
Strike centre Joey Leilua makes his return after a long layoff due to a neck injury (which originally had him out for the season). His inclusion in the side pushes Nic Cotric back to the wing, with Bailey Simonsson moving back to the bench.
Simonsson, a winger/centre, could make way for Siliva Havili on game-day as Havili covers more positions than Simonsson does from the interchange.
Prediction
This game is a huge test for the Raiders. They performed well against the Roosters last week, and actually looked like winning the match at times. However, Ricky Stuart knows that at this time of year and in this type of clash, it’s only the result that matters.
Sure, all is not lost if they lose this game – the Raiders will live to fight another day no matter the result. There is not much chance of the Raiders losing their top 4 spot – certainly no chance of them dropping out of the eight altogether.
But psychologically, a loss here could be disastrous for Ricky’s Raiders. Losing to the Roosters last week was tough. But back-to-back losses to top 4 teams would be demoralising for any team on the cusp of the finals – let alone a team like the Raiders who actually look the goods this year.
On the flip side, this match is a great chance for the Storm to both seal the Minor Premiership, and silence those who subscribe to the line of thinking that “the Roosters have a gear that no other team in the NRL can get to”.
The Storm are three wins clear of the Roosters on the ladder, yet the Roosters are premiership favourites. Not that it will matter much to Craig Bellamy and his men. They know that premierships are won in the first week of October – not midway through August.
But they will still love the chance to confirm their Minor Premiership status and knock off one of their top challengers in the process.
I think Melbourne will win in a close one. The Raiders will be up for the challenge and will once again lose few admirers with this loss. But the Storm will be too strong, as they usually are.
I believe the Storm will choose to target the returning Joey Leilua in defence. Comebacks from long-term injuries are difficult at the best of times – Leilua could not have picked a tougher game in which to make his return.
Storm by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:30pm (AEST).
Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
When: 5:30pm
TV: Fox League
Streaming: NRL Digital Pass, Kayo Sports
Storm
1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Tui Kamikamica 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Joe Stimson 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen 18. Max King 19. Tom Eisenhuth 20. Sandor Earl 21. Billy Walters
Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Iosia Soliola 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Bailey Simonsson 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Ryan Sutton 18. Sam Williams 19. Hudson Young 20. Siliva Havili 21. Emre Guler
Kannga2
Roar Rookie
Roos and raiders. A great double
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
19,500 at the Roosters game last week at Bruce when it was about 8 degrees - not a bad turn out. But you are right about the poor Brumbies crowds - unfortunately union is in dire straits domestically which is a shame. And yes we are proud to have beaten the Storm in that manner - and yes the Raiders do mean a lot to this city and the place gets a real lift when they are playing well, You could say the same thing about Newcastle, Townsville and the Gong. With a steady diet of success Melbourne supporters probably wouldn't know what it is like to go through the tough times. When I saw Vunivalu celebrate that try the way he did for the Storm to go 18-0 up I was hoping it would come back to haunt him.
Taree Raider
Guest
My point is that the Storm are leading the comp, they had only lost 3 games & won 20. Any other NRL team with that win/loss record would fill their stadium. I know that the 'home of rugby league' when they are winning (Brisbane/Bronco's) do. The Storm fan base aren't there. Ask yourself why? I don't care, I hate the Storm. I hate the way they are coached, I hate the way they cheat to win no matter what the consequences physically or financially. I think the Cameron Smith is the best player there ever has been, but I hate him the most. He would still be the best ever if he wasn't a total grub. He'll do anything he's told to do by Bellamy to win, if that inflicts illegal injury to the opposition he doesn't seem to care. Will that be his legacy? I think so. Maybe he'll come to regret it. I don't see him as a popular NRL media ex player because to most fans he doesn't appeal. As for Bellamy I could write a novel. Basically in summary Craig is the worlds best NRL coach of Cameron Smith. If Cam's not there the Storm are the easy beats. That will be Craig's legacy. Not to mention the role-play of being a cranky headmaster who dishes out the cane if you are naughty. If a manager in any other workplace acted like him they would be sacked for bullying. The Storm had the big 4 & a bigger salary cap, the big three. The big two. The big one. I know what's next. The big none. That's the fan base I'm talking about. As for fans of other clubs, I live 8 hours drive from Canberra, but I'm as loyal as anyone who gets to the game when they are home. I watch every Raiders game at home live & I usually get to see them live at least once every year. The thing is the Raiders fans stay loyal. We don't expect to win every week, we just want our team to play the best they can & compete every game. Generally that's what the Raiders have always done. However I think we have reached a point where we will win more than we will loose. I'm loving the journey. It's been a long time since we played in the big dance, but I'm starting to believe that it will happen soon. If we slowly slide out of top 8 contention in the future, I'll be the first the line up to criticise the coach or players. But I'll still love the Raiders no matter the circumstance. This is something some Storm fans may never get.
Harry
Guest
Well, this century anyway :)
Harry
Guest
Yeah I've been saying for years now that the only team that could beat the Raiders was the Raiders - and they sure made a habit out of it. They've been a confidence team for so long now and when their confidence has been up they've been able to beat any other team in the NRL, and look amazing doing it - but it would only taken one or two mistakes in a game and that confidence would suddenly go to water. I don't want to get ahead of myself because they've still got a lot of improvement in them but the 2019 Raiders have a mental toughness that's been missing from the club since the glory years.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Welcome aboard Bonza - should be an exciting ride
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Amazing stuff in that second half - Its rare to see the Storm held scoreless for the last 50 minutes of a game - particularly at home. This performance should give the Raiders incredible belief going into the finals - but still two tough games ahead against the Sea Eagles and Sharks and you never know which Warriors team will turn up. The Raiders couldn't have had a better preparation going into the finals.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Harry, the thing with Canberra 2019 is that they really do believe they can beat anyone. They have been able to put on points for quite a few seasons now but in the past often fell apart in crunch times. Their defense is much improved, they keep the intensity up and they now know they can beat the best anywhere from any situation. I will enjoy what comes of this win.
RooBoy18
Roar Rookie
You must be happy tonight Geoff! I have a soft spot for the Raiders and it's been a great night after my beloved Roos thumped Port Adelaide! As you say...there is something special about 2019 for the Green Machine! Here's hoping mate!
Steve
Guest
Yeah 17 thousand is a sell out for you guys, just another game for the storm . When the brumbies are winning you have no DNA at all , win a few games and your poor little capital comes to life like you mean something. You should be proud
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Leipana were rusty tonight but come mid September....holy cow! Loved the Fox rundown tonight, Mick Ennis (Raiders assistant coach) Mal Meninga ( Raiders enough said) and even Luke Lewis is willing to jump on the Raiders bandwagon. Full respect to Storm and Roosters for making other teams lift.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
He's a beauty jimmmy - has a great future - and he's learnt to pull his head in - so proud to be a Raiders supporter tonight
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Hoo boy, I have seen that happen so many times before - in reverse. We build a good lead, then concede just before or after half time and the wheels fall off. How sweet it is when the traffic goes the other way.
Taree Raider
Guest
How could the Ref's get this so wrong. Allow the Raiders to win. They'll be dropped next week. On reflection they did their best, two in the bin in the first 20 minutes. Ado Carr tackles Rapana without the ball, no different to Wighton tackling inside the 10. But somehow the Raiders prevailed. One for the ages. The best part is that like the Raiders the Storm need a competent halfback. Cody Croft isn't game to do anything dynamic because he'll get the cane from the 1950's headmaster. Josh Papalli for try of the year. Great roll up by the green machine supporters, imagine if the Storm had only won 3 rather than only lost that many. Storm fans & Broncos fans have the same DNA. Good winners. They both have no soul. The Green Machine fans. Well we stay loyal no matter the circumstances. Bring on the finals. Cameron Smith looks to be playing like a 36 year old. Funny that!
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Wow that was good. Like watching Godfather Part II or drinking a nice Shiraz kind of good. Quality. Papalii having the season of his life and Melbourne will come back hard. We have ourselves a contest and cannot wait for the semis. I may have to jump on the Raiders bandwagon so will be milking my Crookwell birthplace for legitimacy. Great club song too btw.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I won't be watching it later but I fully agree about the Wallabies!
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It was really something wasn’t it.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Hes a North QLDer Geoff, ya can’t go wrong,
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Well I got that one and the Panthers wrong. :-( Congrats, a well deserved win.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Good stuff jimmmy