Canberra record fourth straight win in narrow 26-22 win over Brisbane
Canberra are right up there with the competition heavyweights after sneaking home 26-22 against the battling Broncos courtesy of their star English imports.
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Vote one, Canberra Raiders.
The nation’s capital may be split by the looming Federal election but Canberra has united around its mighty Raiders.
A 26-22 win over Brisbane at a packed GIO Stadium has Canberra in third on percentages but equal first with leaders Melbourne, Sydney Roosters and South Sydney, all on 10 competition points.
Who would have thought?
Inspired by an amazing pre-game Viking Clap, Canberra pinched their fifth win from their opening six games.
In contrast, under new coach Anthony Seibold the Broncos have won just once this season and their top-four aspirations are in tatters.
Seibold is discovering what pressure is all about.
SUPER STICKY
Surely Ricky Stuart is an early candidate for Dally M coach of the year?
He has endured some challenging times over the past two years but has stuck solid to himself and his team. The Raiders are playing for him and each other.
“Confidence in each other is something I’m feeling from where I sit,” Stuart said.
RAMPANT RAIDERS
This was Canberra’s fourth successive win — the first time they have achieved the feat in three years.
It is also Canberra’s best start to a season since 2003.
The Raiders have conceded just 66 points in six rounds and have the game’s best defence.
Before the game, Stuart said: “We didn’t pay too much attention to attack in the off-season. It doesn’t matter where you are in attack if you can’t defend.”
Canberra were ranked 12th last year in defence.
The Raiders led 14-4 at half-time but found themselves behind 16-14 before hitting back again.
“It was a massive effort and getting back into the game after being two points behind was a credit to them,” Stuart said.
PRISTINE POMS
They have been tagged the Fab Four — Josh Hodgson, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton.
“They have had a massive influence,” Stuart said.
“They have been fantastic.”
All contributed on Sunday, none more than Bateman. Behind 16-14, Bateman scored a vital try out of dummy half to push his side back in front.
“He is a handy player,” Phil Gould said of Bateman on Nine. “He has a high work rate, high energy, he loves playing football, he loves the battle.”
Bateman also delivered a wonderful pass with four defenders on him to BJ Leilua, who scored in the 32nd minute.
Ryan Sutton crossed in the 67th minute to secure the match.
“The English boys — unbelievable,” Matty Johns said on Fox.
Bateman secured a try, try assist, linebreak, linebreak assist, 42 tackles, three tackle busts and 61 run metres.
Some are even suggesting Bateman could be a Dally M Medal candidate.
.
BUMBLING BRONCOS
They have the youngest side in the NRL with an average age of just 24.
But they are struggling. The Broncos have lost four games in succession for the first time since 2012.
Nothing seems to be working for Brisbane.
Wouldn’t Wayne Bennett be sitting back having a chuckle to himself.
BULLY BJ
BJ Leilua scored two tries in four minutes late in the first half in a powerful performance.
Asked before the game how he felt after the Viking Clap, Leilua said: “Like I want to go out and hurt someone.”
He hurt the Broncos.
CANBERRA 26 (J Leilua 2 J Bateman N Cotric R Sutton tries J Croker 3 goals) bt BRISBANE 22 (J Bird D Fifita K Nikorima C Oates tries J Isaako 3 goals) at GIO Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Adam Cassidy. Crowd: 17,193
Originally published as Canberra record fourth straight win in narrow 26-22 win over Brisbane
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