NSW Cup Round 26 – live scores, results, news, match reports, highlights

Raiders keep season alive with dominant win over Panthers

Tahlie Gavin

Match summary

The third match of the triple-header at GIO Stadium felt like elimination finals had come early as the Canberra Raiders produced a monster 34-8 victory to knock the Penrith Panthers out of finals contention.

The opening 40 minutes delivered plenty of excitement as both sides showed incredible discipline. The Raiders’ halves withstood the pressure, as the Raiders produced three tries to two taking them into half-time with a 16-8 lead. A dominant second half from the Raiders in all aspects of the game saw them score 18 unanswered points to keep their season alive.

It was the Raiders who found the try-line first in this do-or-die Saturday night clash. A bold run from prop Vena Patuki-Case saw him crash over next to the post to get the first points on the board. A successful conversion from Adam Cook saw the Raiders with an early six-point lead.

The Panthers answered back seven minutes later through NSW Cup debutant Jirah Liddiard. A perfectly timed kick to the corner from halfback Tylor Bunting, saw Liddiard contest the ball over the line to score. An unsuccessful conversion saw the Raiders hold the lead 6-4.

Hungry in attack, the Panthers showcased desperation in their efforts for a second try. Quick passes and frantic offloads saw the ball go through three pairs of hands before landing with centre Sialetili Faeamani to score. Another unsuccessful conversion from the Panthers saw them in front 8-6.

The Raiders started to find their feet as Matty Nicholson found the line in his return to Rugby League after recovering from a syndesmosis injury. A grubber kick to the line from Cook saw Nicholson chasing as he grounded the ball over the line. Cook added the extras as the Raiders reclaimed the lead, 12-8.

Just minutes later, the Raiders found one more try before half-time to further their lead. A loopy cut-out pass from Adam Cook to winger Jensen Taumoepeau saw him find his feet and get the ball over the line. Cook failed to convert the try, but the Raiders entered the sheds 16-8.

Raiders prop Mitchell Prest charged his way through defence to open the scoring in the second half. The door opened for Prest in the 58th minute with a powerful run that saw him break his way over the try-line. Cook successfully converted as Raiders now led 22-8.

Late inclusion Trey Mooney was next to find the line for the Raiders. A break from Mooney saw him fighting his way through Penrith’s defence. A quick look to his inside saw Ethan Sanders backing up as Mooney got the pass inside and Sanders had a clear run to the try-line. Cook added the extras taking the Raiders’ lead to 28-8.

A lost ball from the Panthers saw Raiders skipper Adam Cook pick up the crumbs and make a break. Looking up at what was in front of him Cook saw an 80-metre run for the try-line, he passed off to Taumoepeau on the wing who stepped and fended his way to score. Cook converted the try and the siren sounded keeping the Raiders’ season alive.

Talking points

– Penrith’s Sam Lane was placed on report for a high shot on Chevy Stewart, while Canberra’s Adam Cook was also placed on report.

– Myles Martin was taken from the field for a HIA but later returned.

– The Penrith Panthers’ season has come to an end in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, as the Raiders roll on into the finals.

Key moment

The Canberra Raiders dominant second half was the standout in this match. The eyes-up footy from Trey Mooney to get halfback Ethan Sanders over the line sealed the deal for the Raiders. A strong run from Mooney saw him almost shake off a second tackle as he passed inside to Sanders who ran his way to the line. With 12 minutes still to play, this try boosted the Raiders’ confidence as they caried out the 26-point victory.

What’s next?

With the finals draw yet to be announced, it is certain that after seven wins in a row, the Raiders will be playing in week one of finals. Unfortunately for the Panthers, their season has come to an end.