Raiders out-grit the Roosters to extend the Canberra hoodoo

v BYE

Sam Williams slotted a priceless field goal to secure back-to-back victories for the Lime Green in front of 12,423 fans at Canberra Stadium, defeating the Roosters 21-20.

The Raiders produced a strong, gritty performance to outlast a game Roosters team in a low quality but intense game. The home side were dealt an early blow after Shaun Fensom was helped off after a minute and lost debutant Lachlan Croker just before half-time to play the remainder with fifteen men. 

The Roosters haven't won in the nation's capital in six years, and got off to the right start when young fullback Latrell Mitchell put up the first eight points. First he sliced through to score in the 5th minute before the custodian added two penalty goals for the 8-nil lead. 

Following a sloppy opening twenty minutes, the Raiders worked their way into the contest and hard working forward Iosia Soliola after bunker reviews, judged to have just touched the grass with the ball. 

Just as the home side thought they were in the contest, a quick-fire double from Blake Ferguson and Aidan Guerra in the 36th and 38th minute put the Roosters lead back out to 10 points and on the verge of breaking their Canberra hoodoo. 

Despite being ten points down, the Raiders started the second half in style, Queensland representative, Josh Papalii with a wingers finish after the Roosters let the ball bounce wickedly. The second-rower added a second in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit to two. 

As the conditions wore down the forwards, and a depleted Raiders pack. The Roosters pounced as Jayden Nikorima poked his nose through the line and put on the afterburners to push it back out to six the difference. 

Six points the difference, and after a heated exchange between Dylan Napa and Joey Leilua, down to twelve men. The Raiders through some powerful runs from Jeff Lima and Soliola opened up space. Captain Jarrod Croker found space and cut through the defense to make it 20-18. Croker stepped up to convert his own try and duly levelled up the game with ten to go. 

A heady play from English hooker Josh Hodgson, who stepped behind the red line to boot a deft 40/20 to put the Raiders into position with three to go. Up stepped Sam Williams, thrust into the starting side after Aidan Sezar's injury to slot the field goal to seal a 21-20 victory.

Next weekend the Raiders are off to Newcastle to face the reigning wooden spoon holders at Hunter Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Roosters feature in Thursday night footy against the Cowboys in Townsville.