‘Almost got them again’: Raiders’ captain’s challenge helps side hang on against Cowboys

The Canberra Raiders will be hoping for any referee other than Ben Cummins after a captain’s challenge came to the side’s rescue.

Curtis Scott celebrates what was the match winning try.

As the Canberra Raiders know better than any team, every call in a close game can change the game.

With the Raiders leading 14-12, four captain‘s challenges were used with three overturned, with last years’ grand final referee and the official at the centre of the six again controversy in last year’s grand final Ben Cummins was again at the centre of it.

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The first saw Cowboys Murray Taulagi jump from the field of play before falconing the ball into the back of the Raiders‘ Jordan Rapana into touch with 12 minutes remaining.

It was originally called a knock on in-goal but challenged with Rapana somehow taking it out in a close call, turning it from a 20m restart to a drop out for the Raiders.

Braith Anasta in Fox League commentary said: “And that‘s why we have the captain’s challenge.”

The next one came three minutes later when the Cowboys were attacking on the last tackle with a grubber played at only for Dunamis Lui to be ruled off-side 10m out from his own goal, an easy kick for goal.

Sent upstairs, it was clear he was onside before diving on the ball.

Dunamis Lui was onside with the call challenged and overturned.

“Ben Cummins has nearly got them again,” Anasta said. ”He tried.”

“What do you reckon they‘re saying in the nation’s capital right about now?” Warren Smith added.

“He had another crack, he‘s come back for more Ben,” Anasta laughed.

This ref has a history with the raiders #nrlcowboysraiders

— Becko (@beckodotcom) August 1, 2020

Ben Cummins: "Six Again!"

Raiders players: "Are you sure?"#NRLCowboysRaiders pic.twitter.com/uLITcCfIOD

— bet365_aus (@bet365_aus) August 1, 2020

The next one came soon after as Jarrod Croker appealed that he had the ball stripped but it was upheld, as a poor carry.

But the Cowboys had a second challenge upheld when a knock on call was reversed on the field.

Unfortunately for the ref, despite how close some of the calls were, one outta four ain‘t good.

The Raiders held on for the win however with another tough performance despite an injury depleted squad.

It pushes the Raiders to fifth on the ladder after the Cowboys started strongly with a try from Reece Robson from dummy half after just two minutes.

The Raiders hit back when halfback George Williams completed an 80m movement to score after the visitors spread it wide.

After being locked at 8-6 at the break, the Cowboys took the lead back as Jason Taumalolo scored under the posts before the Raiders replied through Curtis Scott.

It led to the final 25 minute arm wrestle with the Raiders again showing the will to win.

Originally published as ‘Almost got them again’: Raiders’ captain’s challenge helps side hang on against Cowboys