Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has given a blunt assessment of his team\u2019s performance in their 18-12 loss to the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Saturday night, labelling their second half as \u201cdumb\u201d.<\/p>\n
Canberra\u2019s nine-game winning streak was brought to an end by the Dragons, and the Raiders\u2019 spot at the top of the premiership ladder is now at risk.<\/p>\n
If the Bulldogs beat the Wests Tigers by 17 or more points at CommBank Stadium tomorrow, Canterbury will leapfrog the Raiders into top spot.<\/p>\n
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer ><\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n The Raiders and Dragons were faced with horrendous conditions in Wollongong, with heavy rain and strong winds throughout the game.<\/p>\n Stuart said the Raiders didn\u2019t play well in the conditions.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m disappointed about the result,\u201d Stuart said.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought we were dumb in the second half. I thought we were very courageous, played really good football in the first half.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that second half we made too many errors and forced passes, turned the footy over too much and gave them a lot of field position against that breeze.\u201d<\/p>\n When asked whether it was a loss the Raiders needed to have as the finals series approaches, Stuart didn\u2019t agree, believing the game was there to be won.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we didn\u2019t need (the loss), Stuart said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re a good enough team to win that game. But as I said we were dumb in the second half.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd to their credit they played really good football to be honest. They deserved to win.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we had a chance to get into good field position, we dropped the ball, or we kicked it out on the full.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we had a chance to earn some good field position, we failed.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018WAITING FOR THAT\u2019: Wayne\u2019s admission after Souths\u2019 rout amid injury crisis <\/a><\/p>\n ROUT: Walsh leads Broncos to rout of injury-hit Bunnies despite enforcer\u2019s injury blow<\/a><\/p>\n