Raiders start strong with Tapine try, Eels equalize, Raiders dominate halftime with 24-6 lead.
The Raiders immediately got the ball rolling with a quick try to Joe Tapine, who punished a slow Eels defensive line defending just metres off the try line. But the Eels were soon able to hit back, a remarkable solo try to Dylan Brown keeping the game tied after 20 minutes.
But the Raiders ended the half in style, first by a lovely grubber from Jamal Fogarty which allowed Ethan Strange to score his first try of 2025. Then minutes later, a strong kick return by Kaeo Weekes and Xavier Savage set them up on the attack again, which soon led to Hudson Young being rewarded with his first try of the night. Then finally, on the stroke of halftime, Strange broke the line and found Matt Timoko in support to give the Green Machine a 24-6 lead at the break.