Canberra Raiders win, keep season alive, in Mackay against Warriors

The smaller regional crowd pulled its weight in the atmosphere department as Mackay witnessed a truly nail-biting spectacle.

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Jordan Rapana of the Raiders celebrates after scoring the game winning try during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium, on August 27, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Rarely does a sequel do the original justice, but Mackay’s second NRL game in a month exceeded expectations on and off the field.

Canberra Raiders secured an 8-point win over New Zealand Warriors in its unofficial second home after trailing 16-0 in the first half, with thousands of Central Queenslanders barracking the side home.

Jordan Rapana of the Raiders celebrates after scoring the game winning try during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium, on August 27, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he wanted to see more games in regional areas and was excited to be returning to Mackay next week.

“The NRL is doing a good job taking games out to the regions out here in Queensland,” he said.

“It’s good to see the kids here seeing their superstars, the players they can only watch on TV, I know it’s a big boost to their night and to them personally.”

Stuart said regional areas produced some of the NRL’s best talent, and should continue to be rewarded with matches in their communities.

Fans in the crowd at the New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium in Mackay, August 27, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“I’ve always been an advocate for taking the game out into the regional areas,” he said.

“The players that have come from the regional areas are the backbone of the competition, it’s good for our players because they have a responsibility.”

Matt Frawley of the Raiders runs the ball during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium, on August 27, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana was influential throughout the match, and scored the go-ahead try in the 78th minute.

He said he loved playing in Mackay and was excited to be back against the Roosters in the final round of the season.

“I’ve always loved playing the country rounds; these towns appreciate rugby league so much,” he said.

“The kids, the fans on the sidelines, love seeing NRL players, so I really appreciate the atmosphere.

“I reckon the ground was in great condition, I spoke with the groundskeeper before the game and told him he’s done a great job, it’s better than most of the fields we play on in New South Wales.”

Elliott Whitehead of the Raiders is tackled by Sean O'Sullivan and Addin Fonua-Blake of the Warriors during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium, on August 27, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

The Raiders overcame a significant half-time deficit to score 24 consecutive points and snatch an important win in the context of their season.

Canberra will now play Sydney at BB Print Stadium in the final week of the season with its top-8 hopes alive.

Originally published as Canberra Raiders win, keep season alive, in Mackay against Warriors