The Raiders capitalised on early errors by their opponents, scoring twice within the first 20 minutes and setting up what appeared to be a commanding lead. However, the tide turned dramatically around the 30-minute mark.
A defensive blunder by Jordan Rapana allowed the Bulldogs’ Jacob Preston to score their first try. Rapana’s night worsened when he was sin-binned for a professional foul. Shortly after, Josh Papali’i was also sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle, leaving the Raiders with just 11 players. The Bulldogs seized the opportunity, scoring through Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton to take a 16-12 lead into halftime.
The Bulldogs extended their lead early in the second half with a try from Jacob Kiraz, but their fortunes soon changed. The Raiders had initially drawn first blood through Xavier Savage, capitalizing on a fumble by Connor Tracey. Kiraz’s mistake then handed Sebastian Kris another try.
Following Rapana’s air swing and subsequent collision with Savage, Preston capitalized on the loose ball to score. With both Rapana and Papali’i off the field, the Raiders found themselves down 20-12 with 30 minutes remaining.
Canberra needed a spark and found it in teenage playmaker Ethan Strange, who delivered a precise pass to send Hudson Young through for a try. Young added another nine minutes later, putting the Raiders back in the lead.
The Raiders held on during a tense final quarter, securing their sixth win of the season despite the first-half adversity.
