Canberra Raiders News

Maguire downplayed Walsh's headbutt; Stuart criticized officials. Walsh's season now uncertain after sin-bin.

LeagueNews.co

Michael Maguire has downplayed the incident where Reece Walsh headbutted Hudson Young, describing it as merely two players having a "conversation." In contrast, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart criticized the officials, asserting they "got it 100 per cent wrong" by not sending Walsh off.

Walsh's season is now uncertain after he was sin-binned for thrusting his forehead into Young's face during a confrontation in the 53rd minute of Brisbane's thrilling 29-28 qualifying final victory over Canberra on Sunday.

Despite the incident, Walsh played a pivotal role in bringing Brisbane back into the game after they were down 28-12 with 14 minutes remaining. He scored one try, assisted in another, and executed a long 40/20 kick that allowed Brisbane to gain possession for a subsequent play. Additionally, his long-range field goal attempt-though it hit the crossbar-resulted in a penalty goal that sent the match into extra time.

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The Broncos came back from behind, winning in extra time against the Raiders.

LeagueNews.co

The Raiders, who were the minor premiers, held a 28-12 lead in the 65th minute. However, the Broncos mounted an impressive comeback, scoring three tries that pushed the game into extra time, where Ben Hunt clinched the victory with a field goal in the 94th minute.

This thrilling finals match will be remembered in rugby league history, leaving both teams battered, bruised, and utterly exhausted.

While the Broncos enjoy a week off, the Raiders must quickly recover as they prepare to face the Sharks on Saturday night. The winner of this match will go on to meet the Storm in Melbourne for a chance at the grand final.

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Canberra Raiders face challenges after a heartbreaking finals loss, but coach Ricky Stuart remains optimistic.

The Canberra Times

A devastated Canberra Raiders side will dust itself off as the club's premiership tilt continues the hard way, coach Ricky Stuart said after a gruelling loss to Brisbane in week one of the finals.

After the bunker twice denied them a win and a two-week rest before a home preliminary final, the Raiders were brought back to earth by a Reece Walsh masterclass and a Ben Hunt field goal in golden point to lose 29-28 on Sunday.

Stuart was left to pick up his players after their emotional turmoil before a sold-out crowd at GIO Stadium.

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