Raiders rampage into finals football

v BYE

The Canberra Raiders have displayed their premiership credentials as they rampaged over Wests Tigers, 52-10, in front of an 18,634 strong crowd at Leichhardt Oval.

Wests Tigers mentality was simple as they prepared for this their final regular season clash, win and they play finals football. However, the big game pressure was too much to handle as they started on the back foot as the kick-off sailed out on the full. 

Canberra star, Jarod Croker opened the account at the 9th minute as Josh Hodgson placed a well-weighted grubber kick through scrambling Tigers defence. Crocker converted his own try to give his side a 6-0 lead.

In a sign Wests Tigers pushed their luck, Tim Simona threw a late mis-guided offload at the feet of Luke Brooks. Joey Leilua cleaned up to provided a wondrous flick pass for Jordan Rapana to bolt downfield to bring up the Raiders second try. Canberra jumped ahead, 12-0, at the 18th minute. 

A break in the Raiders flow came in the 21st minute as Tigers rookie, Josh Aloiai, grabbed a try in his 24th straight game. The Tigers hit back to close the game to 12-6. 

A further three tries were posted by the Raiders as they clicked back into gear heading towards half time. Josh Papalii bagged a double at the 27th and 37th minute, which bookended a four pointer from Josh Hodgson in the 30th minute. Wests Tigers left to soul-search, down 30-4 after 40 minutes. 

Jason Taylor's half time speech momentarily revved up his side, as Wests Tigers crossed under the posts just 50 seconds into the second half through Tim Grant. These would be their only points of the new half as they made it 30-10.

Joey Leilua added his name to the growing scorers list as the Tigers right side defence failed to cover the expansive Raiders play. Canberra extended their lead to 36-10 inside the final half an hour of play. 

Despite Aidan Sezer being denied by the NRL Bunker for an obstruction, Jordan Rapana reached out over the try line to bring up the 40 points at the 67th minute. 

Jack Wighton may miss the first week of the finals as he was placed on report in the 70th minute for a shoulder charge on Wests Tigers', Joel Edwards. 

The Raiders raised their bat for the half century at the 78th minute following tries to Joseph Tapine and Sam Williams. The Green Machine in true finals form as they collected a 42 point victory at the joint-venture's spiritual home ground.

Canberra now cement their position in second position on the NRL Premiership ladder, seeing them play the Cronulla Sharks in the first Qualifying Final. Whilst for the Wests Tigers, their season is dusted for 2016 as they now take moments to reflect on the season that was and look ahead to building for the 2017 season.