Canberra Raiders stun Sydney Roosters in grand final rematch

Canberra Raiders have upset the form book to win a pulsating match against the reigning premiers.

Halfback George Williams breaks through the tackle of Roosters fullback James Tedesco to score at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

This wasn’t supposed to happen. The nerve of you, Canberra.

The depleted Raiders were supposed to succumb to the mighty premiers like most before them over the past three years. The audacity and cheek.

Let’s look at the facts.

Canberra was playing the red hot premiers and competition favourites with six players unavailable through injury.

The Raiders were playing away from home and had to fly up and back to Sydney in a day. And it was all achieved after a five-day turnaround.

Through two stellar solo tries, one to a Samoan, the other to an Englishman, Canberra secured a major 24-20 upset over the Sydney Roosters at the SCG.

British halfback George Williams scored a solo try as did big Josh Papalii to stun the Roosters. The scores rocked back and forth throughout a pulsating game but, when fulltime sounded, Canberra had their noses in front.

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Everything and everyone was against the Raiders – accept the Raiders themselves, who never lost belief. Resilient in defence, Canberra’s middle third played tough.

Canberra played without injured players Josh Hodgson, Sia Soliola, John Bateman, Corey Horsburgh, Bailey Simonsson and Curtis Scott with Semi Valemei making his Raiders debut. Jack Wighton was strong offensively and defensively.

Canberra players walked toward the old SCG hill after fulltime to cheer to a handful of Raiders fans who drove three hours – and sat through rain – to watch their heroes.

It was the first game between the two teams since referee Ben Cummins’ now infamous six again call which led to a Roosters try and subsequent 14-8 win in last year’s grand final.

Thursday’s win can’t bring back Cummins’ mistake – but it must have made Ricky Stuart feel just that little bit better.

Stuart himself wasn’t thrilled during the week.

While not commenting publicly, raiders coach Ricky Stuart was displeased at having to play a grand final replay after a five-day turnaround. The Roosters had seven days off.

The Roosters lost few admirers. Yes they lost but again showed the quality and skill of a side eyeing off a three-peat.

Winger Brett Morris slipped over for two first half tries while brother Josh set up another in the second half for winger Matt Ikuvalu.

Pre-game rain forced the SCG ground staff to place cricket covers in middle of the field. They were only removed 50 minutes before kick-off.

The Roosters wore black armbands after club chairman Nick Politis’ mother passed away in Greece aged 103.

Wighton was placed on report for an alleged dangerous throw while Williams was also on report for a high tackle. Both indiscretions were committed on Roosters winger Brett Morris.

Williams’ try saw him slip past and through four Roosters defenders – Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend, Sitili Tupouniua and James Tedesco. It was the first time Canberra played at the SCG since their 18-8 loss to Manly in the 1987 grand final.