‘Sorry’: Elliott Whitehead’s emotional scenes after final home game for Raiders

Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead hasn’t been able to hold back his emotions after going out a winner in his final match in Canberra.

The emotions poured out of Whitehead. Photo: Fox Sports

Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead has shed some tears after his side claimed a 22-18 win over three-time defending premiers the Panthers in Canberra’s last home game of the year.

The 34-year-old Whitehead announced in early July that this would be his ninth and final season at the club and his teammates sent him out a winner.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Having been down 18-10 after James Fisher-Harris scored for the Panthers just after halftime, a 65m try for Albert Hopoate and a 90m intercept for Xavier Savage pulled off a come-from-behind win for Canberra.

While the win keeps Canberra in with a slim chance at the final spot in the top eight in a congested pack of five teams fighting for one spot, the result was a huge turnaround after last week’s 42-4 thrashing at the hands of the Cowboys which coach Ricky Stuart called a “boys’ performance”.

With the Raiders’ final two matches of the regular season away games, the side has played at home for the final time in 2024 — and in Whitehead’s NRL career.

Speaking after the match, Fox League’s Lara Pitt asked Whitehead about having run out for the final time.

As a second rower who never shirked the hard work, Whitehead showed a different side of himself when he needed to compose himself before answering the question.

“Look I’ve, getting emotional, sorry …” he began.

“It means a lot to me this club. I’ve been here nine years and didn’t think I’d get emotional on TV …”

With tears in his eyes, Whitehead continued: “After two years, I didn’t think I’d stay here for nine years but I love everyone at this club, even the teammates that have left like Jack (Wighton).

“I’ve got some great memories and great friends from this club and it’ll be a big part of my life from now on.”

Whitehead had to compose himself. Photo: Fox Sports

It's unlike we've ever seen the English star. Photo: Fox Sports

In a moment of levity, Whitehead said that because the match was his 204th match, while coach Ricky Stuart played 203: “I wasn’t sure if he was going to play me today.

“It’s just pleasing to get the win for the fans who have turned out in numbers all year and we have been disappointed but to put that performance in is pleasing.”

In the post-match press conference, Stuart promised “I won’t get emotional”.

“He’s been one of our best buys from England and we’ve had some good ones,” Stuart continued.

“Josh (Hodgson), George (Williams), John (Bateman), we’ve got Morgan (Smithies) now.

“He’s followed Josh’s boots in regards to being our captain. The players absolutely adore Elliott and once the season finishes, he’s one of my best mates.”

Ricky Stuart had to keep his emotions in check too. Photo: NRL.com

While the victory was impressive for the Raiders, fans would have been wondering where the effort against the Panthers had been all season.

Penrith had 57 per cent of the ball and a massive 66 per cent of the field territory but couldn’t put the home side away.

The Raiders just hung in and didn’t panic.

While they were struggling coming out of their own end all game, they completed at 89 per cent which was all that kept them in the match.

The result also has major ramifications for the Panthers, who could finished the weekend in fourth place and in danger of missing the top four all together.

Wins for the Roosters and Sharks would see the three-time defending champions drop to fourth on points differential with the Bulldogs and Cowboys another win behind.

The Sharks hold a +18 advantage while the Roosters are a whopping +85 point advantage over the Panthers, each with a game up their sleeves.

With the Bulldogs in fine form in fifth, Penrith could miss the top four all together if they slip up against Souths and the Gold Coast at home in the next fortnight.

With Matt Jones, NewsWire