We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders showed determination with gutsy defense, holding on to win despite setbacks.
It was one of the gutsiest defensive efforts the Canberra Raiders have produced.
Twice they were reduced to 12 men. Plus they lost fullback Jordan Rapana to a fractured cheekbone in the first half.
So they tackled themselves to a standstill - making 82 more tackles than the Sydney Roosters - as they held on to win 14-12 at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Raiders lead with Whitehead's tries, despite sin bin, Roosters fight back but fall short.
Just minutes later, the Raiders took the lead when Elliot Whitehead powered over from close range. Not long after Whitehead contributed to a try again, this time making an offload for Simi Sasagi to cross. Even when Whitehead went to the sin bin for a hip drop that forced Brandon Smith off the field with a knee issue, the Raiders did not crack and took a 10-2 lead to half time.
After weathering the rest of the storm while Whitehead was in the bin, the Raiders pushed their lead to 12 when a poor Luke Keary pass eventually found its way into Xavier Savage, who simply was not going to be caught. That made it 14-2, and it should have been game over.
But when Whitehead used his foot to try and strike the ball out of the hands of Angus Crichton, all hell broke loose. Whitehead went to the sin bin again, and this time the Roosters capitalised with a Daniel Tupou try. But despite dominating possession over the net 10 minutes, the Roosters could not cross the line and again you'd be forgiven for thinking the Raiders were home and hosed.
Roosters' finals campaign in jeopardy as Sam Walker and Brandon Smith sustain injuries in recent game.
The Roosters have potentially suffered massive blows to their finals campaign after Sam Walker and Brandon Smith both left the field limping in the first half of the Roosters game against the Raiders.
Walker was rolling on the ground in pain after attempting to tackle Raider Simi Sasagi in Canberra's in-goal. He was clutching at his knee in visible pain before being helped from the field by a Roosters physio and trainer.
Sam Walker is assisted from the field after suffering a possible ACL injury.Credit: Fox Sports
FOX League reported on Sunday that Walker had suffered a suspected ACL injury. The Roosters are yet to make an official...