Canberra outlast plucky Parramatta

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Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders

The Raiders have snapped their three-game losing streak after pipping a persistent Parramatta outfit 22-16 in front of just over 10,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.

The Raiders started tonight's contest in quick fashion, with Nick Cotric diving over in the corner in the 3rd minute to give his side an early lead.

Fifteen minutes later, their lead was extended to ten when Josh Hodgson put Joseph Leilua over. The slow start from the home side was soon compounded by a rib injury to lock Nathan Brown, who would not return.

Yet, the Eels were able to hang on and were rewarded in the 32nd minute with a stroke of luck after a ricochet was scooped by a quick thinking Manu Ma'u.

Only five minutes later, the Eels had suddenly locked things up after Semi Radradra danced through the defensive line before linking with Michael Jennings who burst through to score.  

The second half presented even more opportunities for the home side courtesy of back-to-back errors from Canberra fullback Jack Wighton. Although unable to capitalise, the Eels would claim the lead in the 47th minute when a short ball from hooker Kaysa Pritchard saw Siosaia Vave crash over.

Parramatta appeared to be gaining ascendancy against a sloppy Canberra outfit, yet, Ricky Stuart's men did not take long to bounce back. Jarrod Croker, who was lining up for his 200th first grade appearance, sliced through the defence and threw a speculator which was snatched by Blake Austin who found the line.

It appeared as if the two sides could not be separated - that was until Jordan Rapana streaked down the sideline and put Canberra back in front with seven minutes remaining. The Eels had one final crack in the dying minutes of the game only to be just denied with the Raiders claiming a hard-fought 22-16 win. 

Next week the Eels will look to get back into the winner's circle when they take on the Rabbitohs on Friday night at ANZ Stadium. Meanwhile, the Raiders take on the likely Origin-affected Roosters on Sunday afternoon at GIO Stadium.