Raiders do enough to scrape home against Roosters

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Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

Questions about the form of Roosters/NSW fullback James Tedesco have only gotten louder after a poor performance in the Roosters 20-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders in front of 13,000 fans at Allianz Stadium.

The Canberra Raiders started quickly with a penalty goal inside the first ten minutes after an offside penalty was conceded by the Roosters. The momentum was with the Raiders early as Jack Wighton was able to outleap James Tedesco and get his way over the line to score the opener. Jarrod Croker had a shock miss from close range.

The Roosters defensive pressure seemed to be going through a minimalist phase as it didn't really appear as Canberra added a second try as Albert Hopoate went over in the corner despite some questionable passes in the lead-up that were cleared by the officials. Jarrod Croker converted from near enough to the sideline to extend the lead to 12-0.

On the half-hour mark, the Raiders added their third try of the first half when yet again James Tedesco was beaten in the air and the ball ended up with Matt Timoko who scored under the sticks. Croker extended the lead to 18-0.

The stroke of half-time was perfect timing for a Roosters try and it came when Joey Manu had too much speed and strength for a tiring Raiders defence that couldn't complete the tackle. Sandon Smith closed the gap with a conversion from right in front.

The late try for the Roosters sparked momentum as they were able to get an early one in the second half again through Joey Manu when he got over the line and had a questionable grounding but it was confirmed by the bunker supporting the onfield decision. The conversion from Sandon Smith closes the gap to just six points.

A penalty just shy off the hour mark for the Roosters being offside at a scrum gave Canberra what would become a vital penalty goal to lead 20-12 with 20 minutes to go. Neither side really could manage any attacking flare but it was Lindsay Collins who got the Roosters back into the game with a try underneath the posts inside the final few minutes.

Unfortunately, errors ended up costing the Roosters any chance to attack the Raiders line again and the Green Machine held on for a 20-18 victory.

Next weekend, the Roosters head to Brookvale for a Sunday afternoon clash with Manly that is getting to must win stage territory, meanwhile the Raiders will play host to the Titans in the Nations Capital on Saturday afternoon.