Raiders run riot in Vegas for opening win

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Canberra Raiders v Warriors

Canberra Raiders won 30-8 against New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to open the 2025 NRL season. 

Raiders were the first side to score in Vegas in 2025! It was pure power from Sebastian Kris, he extended his arm out like he was Gumby to get across the line for a 6-0 lead.

Next, it was Josh Starling, he burst through to set up the chance and it was quick hands on the right which ended with Xavier Savage touching down in the corner to get the Raiders second. 

Warriors had several opportunities to get themselves on the board. Their attack was sideways and it proved their downfall in conceding their third four-pointer of the night. 

They pushed one pass too many and Savage was able to snaffle it for the score. he just strolled downfield and got his second, making it 16-0 for the Raiders in the Vegas opener. 

Warriors did get one back before the break. They created some quick hands on the left edge and Luke Capewell was the man in the right spot to get the Kiwi side on the board. 

It was a daily double for the Raiders in Sin City! The kick was spilled by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and right into the path of Kris, he scooped up the ball and strolled in for his second of the game. 

The Raiders were turning on the style now in the season opener. Savage provided the pass this time and Matthew Timoko brushed off some flimsy defense to go over for a 28-4 lead.

Warriors were gifted a route back into the game after Joseph Tapine was binned for a shoulder charge. It took until late in the sequence where Roger Tuivasa-Sheck went over in the corner. 

Raiders added a late penalty goal after a silly penalty from James Fisher-Harris. The final score ended up 30-8 in a comfortable win for the nation's capital side to open the campaign.