Papa’s Big Day Out

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Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Raiders turned on their attack in the second half to ensure that Josh Papali'i capped a memorable day with a win.

Papali'i played his 319th game- making him the most capped Raiders player ever and he capped the day with 2 tries and a goal to make it a day to remember.

Souths though started the game looking vastly superior in attack and defence. They were on the scoreboard first and after just four minutes of play, when Keaon Koloamatangi charged onto a crash ball and barged over all too easily. Latrell Mitchell converted.

A high shot by Hudson Young, which saw the Raiders backrower put on report, gave Mitchell another two points when he slotted a penalty goal.

Souths extended their lead in the 14th minute when Jayden Sullivan got a lovely ball out to Alex Johnston and the winger crossed for a good try. Mitchell failed to convert from the sideline.

With just two minutes remaining in the first half, the Raiders finally got on the board when Ethan Strange ambled up to the line and then accelerated, skipping out of a tackle before forcing his way over between two defenders for a strong solo try. He then converted it and at halftime Souths were up 12-6.

Raiders scored first in the second half courtesy of Ethan Strange. Strange received the ball on the left, this time he shuffled, darted back inside where there was surprisingly, no defenders, and he dived over the line for a soft try. Strange converted to level the scores.

The Raiders took the lead for the first time in the match in the 59th minute when Johnston spilled a kick, the ball rolled into his own in-goal where Zac Hosking planted the loose ball for a try. Strange converted.

Five minutes later, the Raiders extended their lead further when Jamal Fogarty put up a bomb. Sebastian Kris tapped it back to Young who hit it up and then got a miracle offload away to a charging Simi Sasagi, who exploded through a gap and scored in the left corner. Strange converted.

Enter Josh Papali'i. The big bloke powered onto a crash ball and barged over to score a strong try which Strange converted. And then five minutes later, Papali'i stormed onto a good ball and got across for his second try. He then knocked the conversion over the bar and the Raiders won comfortably 36-12.