A dynamic first-half performance from a confident Canberra Raiders side saw them secure a 34-16 demolision over a tired Brisbane side at Canberra Stadium today.
NRL Debutant Justin Carney got himself 2 tries in the opening period to help the home side to a 28-0 lead at the break. The new Raiders flanker really impressing many pundits and giving Raiders fans some strong hope for the future, while no relation to half Todd Carney – 2008 has seen plenty of promise for the Green Machine as they threaten to move into a new era after years in the wilderness.
The Broncos were not helped by a series of basic errors and the late loss of hooker Michael Ennis with a knee complaint.
That injury left an already injury-struck Brisbane without any experience and it immediately showed both with and without the football in their hands.
Canberra pivot Terry Campese started the avalanche in just the 2nd minute of the game, getting his hands on the ball on the fringes and making the Broncos look like witches hats as he went on a weaving run to score.
5 minutes later centre Joel Monaghan pounced on a Ben Hannant dropped ball to dash 75 metres and set the scene for a Raiders try fest.
Carney, who has been playing league for just four years, grabbed his first try by busting through Broncos winger Denan Kemp and centre Darius Boyd.
His second came in the 37th minute.
Brisbane fought back in the second half with Joel Moon collecting his own bomb to score out wide and captain Corey Parker nabbing a four-pointer in the 76th minute.
Canberra’s jubilant home fans had another reason to celebrate with prop Michael Weyman making his return from a six-week suspension for belting Gold Coast centre Michael Conn.
I’m expecting more of the same type of footy from the Green Machine!!!! YEAH!
GO GREEN!!!!