RAIDERS IN UPSET OF FANCIED ROOSTERS
RAIDERS 14 ROOSTERS 12
Raiders: J Rapana try S Williams 5 goals Roosters: B Cordner V Radley tries L Mitchell 2 goals
CANBERRA have put a dent in the Sydney Roosters’ NRL minor premiership aspirations with a 14-12 upset victory.
The Roosters could have gone a game clear on top of the ladder with a win at GIO Stadium but remain in a threeway battle at the top of the table for the minor premiership with Melbourne and South Sydney.
Trent Robinson’s team had a chance to score in the final minute as they charged in attack, but a knock-on turned the ball over to see the Raiders home and reverse their 2018 fortunes in close games.
The Raiders led 12-0 at the break thanks to an early try for winger Jordan Rapana before halfback Sam Williams slotted three penalty goals.
But the Roosters were never going to wilt as captain Boyd Cordner found a gap in a sleepy Raiders defence just a few minutes into the second half. Roosters lock Victor Radley levelled the scores in the 60th minute, but the Raiders weren’t done as Williams put his team back in front with another penalty.
That’s where the score would stay as the Raiders secured their ninth win of the season. Coach Ricky Stuart said the victory contained “plenty of heart”.
Roosters counterpart Trent Robinson said his team had plenty of work to do before the finals.