Raiders rain on Melbourne’s parade

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Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders

The Canberra Raiders have produced a stirring performance to upset the Melbourne Storm in one of the games of the season.

Extending their record as the only team to boast a positive win-loss record at AAMI Park, the Raiders managed to fight back after squandering a halftime lead with little-known winger James Schiller bagging the match-winner with one of the tries of the season.

Adding to the Storm's woes, who slumped to their third consecutive loss, Ryan Papenhuyzen sustained a suspected fractured kneecap that looks set to sideline the star fullback for the remainder of 2022.

Beginning the match with a much-improved attitude following last week's debacle against Cronulla, Melbourne outside back Nick Meaney (5th minute) opened the scoring after the Raiders failed to wrap up the ball from Kenny Bromwich's grasp close to the try line.

Capitalising on an ill-timed pass from Papenhuyzen which allowed Sebastian Kris (10th minute) to streak 85 metres untouched, the Raiders hit the front with a penalty goal coinciding with Papenhuyzen being escorted from the field with a suspected fractured kneecap.

Establishing an eight-point buffer after Schiller (22nd minute) crossed for his maiden NRL try, luck continued to run with the visitors after the bunker overturned a try due to Jahrome Hughes losing control while grounding the ball.

The Storm managed to maintain the 14-6 deficit after Justin Olam produced a spectacular try-saving hit to deny Schiller a second four-pointer shortly before the change of ends.

Returning from the sheds intent on bouncing back on home soil, the Storm survived an early scare with Jordan Rapana ruled out of play while planting the ball before striking back with a try of their own through Hughes (50th minute), who made amends for his earlier blemish by taking advantage of a quick tap close to the try line.

Taking advantage of a one-man advantage after Rapana was sent to the sin bin for making head contact on Marion Seve, the Storm regained the lead with Harry Grant (59th minute) taking on the line from close range.

Securing the result with one of the tries of the season to Schiller (67th minute), the 21-year-old winger kicked ahead, ran back into the field of play and managed to ground the ball with an effort reminiscent of Parramatta rookie Krisnan Inu against the Bulldogs 15 years ago.

In a frantic ending to the match, Xavier Savage and Hughes both had tries denied by the bunker which allowed the Raiders to run out 20-16 victors before a crowd of 16,106 supporters.

The match also marked the official unveiling of the Cameron Smith Stand in recognition of the Melbourne Storm's greatest player. 

Next week, the Storm face the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday night, while the Raiders return home on Saturday afternoon to take on the Warriors.