In a thrilling encounter at GIO Stadium, the Canberra Raiders secured a spectacular 24-20 victory against the Cronulla Sharks on Thursday night, marking the start of the Multicultural Round in the NRL. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows throughout the game, but it was the Raiders who emerged victorious with a stunning last-minute try.
The atmosphere was electric as the Raiders took to the field following a disappointing loss to the North Queensland Cowboys, where they fell 30-20. Meanwhile, the Sharks were looking to bounce back after a tough match against the Bulldogs, holding a 2-2 record and eager to improve.
Right from the kickoff, it was clear that both teams were hungry for a win. The Raiders started strong with Matty Nicholson scoring the opening try just six minutes into the match, brushing off weak defense to take a 6-0 lead. Jamal Fogarty converted, setting the tone for an exciting night of rugby.
However, the Sharks responded quickly. Mawene Hiroti leveled the score at 6-6 in the ninth minute, showcasing their determination. The back-and-forth continued as Hudson Young put the Raiders back in front with a try in the 23rd minute, followed by Briton Nikora scoring two tries for the Sharks, including a remarkable individual effort that brought the score to 18-18 at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, the tension mounted. The Sharks took the lead for the first time in the match with a penalty goal from Nicho Hynes, pushing the score to 20-18. This came after Hudson Young was sent to the sin bin for high contact, putting the Raiders under immense pressure. Despite being a man down, the Raiders held firm, thanks in part to a crucial tackle from Ethan Strange that prevented the Sharks from extending their lead.
With just minutes remaining and the Sharks leading 20-18, the Raiders orchestrated a brilliant play that would ultimately seal their victory. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Xavier Savage grubbered the ball ahead, allowing Kaeo Weekes to flick it to Simi Sasagi, who then found Seb Kris for the decisive try. Jamal Fogarty's conversion followed, putting the Raiders ahead 24-20 with only seconds left on the clock.
As the final whistle blew, the Raiders celebrated a hard-fought victory, improving their record to 3-2, while the Sharks fell to 2-3. "That’s the type of win the Raiders can take a ton of confidence from," remarked one commentator. The Sharks, on the other hand, faced a long journey home, needing to regroup and refocus if they want to contend for a top-four spot this season.
Head coach Ricky Stuart expressed pride in his team’s resilience, particularly in the face of adversity during the second half. With the Raiders finding their rhythm and showing their fighting spirit, fans are hopeful for a successful season ahead.
The match showcased some standout performances, particularly from Corey Horsburgh, who made 15 runs for 137 meters, and Briton Nikora, who scored two tries and made significant contributions in defense. The Raiders’ ability to complete 17 of 20 sets at an impressive 85 percent completion rate was critical to their success against the Sharks, who managed 88 percent with 15 of 17 sets completed.
As the NRL season progresses, the Raiders will look to build on this momentum, while the Sharks must address their inconsistencies to remain competitive. With more exciting matches on the horizon, fans can expect thrilling rugby league action in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the Raiders' stunning victory not only serves as a testament to their skill and determination but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the NRL season. As both teams regroup, the focus will shift to their next matches, where they will aim to capitalize on their respective strengths and rectify their weaknesses.
