The Wests Tigers started so well, it never looked like they would be run down in this NRL Round 5 fixture. The Canberra Raiders certainly had other ideas. After going into half time at 24-10, the Raiders returned and led by an outstanding Todd Carney they clawed their way back into the fight.
The talented Todd Carney kicked to perfection and ran to the line at all the right times, getting himself an impressive solo try to get his side into the box seat. The Wests Tigers went from hero’s to zero’s as they tried valliantly to keep a hold of the match, the wounded Tigers given some hope by a strong debut by Matthew Head for his new club. The experienced Head ran the show well and kicked sweetly in a display that will give coach Tim Sheens some good options at the club.
But it was Todd Carney who stole the show – brushing off several Tigers defenders and running 70 metres to score, handing the Raiders the lead, before Adrian Purtell scored his third try in the 80th minute to secure the victory.
Carney was well supported by hooker Lincoln Withers but Raiders five-eighth Terry Campese had a scratchy game, repeatedly kicking straight to Tigers full-back Brett Hodgson.
The Tigers opened the scoring with a third-minute try from Taniela Tuiaki try, while half-back Mathew Head looked dangerous throughout the first half on debut for the visitors. It’s hard to pin point exactly where the Tigers went wrong, they held their own in statistics department and looked well structured in attack – they just needed to score more second half points to be any chance. A decision not to take a penalty shot at goal from right in front to give them a 10 point lead proved to be a bad choice, they proceeded to take the tap and lose possession quickly afterwards.
The Canberra Raiders were noteably impressive in defence and will have pleased coach Neil Henry with their solid second half defensive effort. Several try savers from the green machine preventing certain Wests trys to keep their scoresheet clean in the second term.
The only negative for Canberra was the decision of referee Sean Hampstead to place interchange player Trevor Thurling on report for a lifting tackle. Thurling looking to be in some trouble for a dangerous lifting tackle. For the Tigers, their loss proves costly – starting out with some impressive form early in the season, they have now lost 3 games against lower ranked opponents in the Bulldogs, Panthers and Raiders to pile more pressure on themselves.
Refs slowing game down with the video Ref’s call every now and then during a game. No one’s perfect here so get on with the bloody game. Very Annoying>>>>>The ref of Friday Night’s game Titans Vs Parra went well.. The Ref desrves a rep!!!
Raiders are unbecoming of. Being tipped as wooden spooners this year would have been a great challenge for the the club and supporters. Go The Green Machine… Big Fan Papua New Guinea
Oh before I forget, when will Channel 9 telecast the first Canberra game on Nine Network