We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Canberra hooker Tom Starling has declared his teammate Joe Tapine the best forward in the NRL after the prop helped to set up the try that kept the Raiders’ season alive.
The Raiders and Newcastle were locked up at 22 points apiece in the final 10 minutes on Sunday when Josh Papalii broke the line and connected with Tapine.
Still with work to do, Tapine ducked around Anthony Milford and drew in two defenders before lobbing an overarm pass to Jack Wighton, who dived over to score.
Gungahlin Bulls pulled off an impressive round 17 upset in the Canberra Raiders Cup to deny the Woden Valley Rams the minor premiership.
With a bye to end their regular season next weekend, the top-of-the-table Rams said goodbye to any hopes of claiming the honour, as the Tuggeranong Bushrangers and West Belconnen Warriors now sit in the box seat.
"The club and the first grade side needed this win," Bulls coach Neil Bijorac said after the 28-12 victory.
Don't write off the Green Machine just yet. They're still well and truly in the finals hunt.
Their stunning comeback 28-22 victory over the Newcastle Knights on Sunday has kept them within touching distance of the NRL top eight, much to the relief of coach Ricky Stuart in his return from a one-match suspension.
"Really happy [with the response]. It does [keep our finals hopes alive], that's really important. Winning that game keeps us alive for another week and we'll review it, talk about that...