LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a thrilling ANZAC Round clash, the Canberra Raiders mounted a massive second-half comeback to defeat the Dolphins 40-28 at GIO Stadium.
The match began with tension as both teams entered with significant momentum from recent victories.
Early in the first half, Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima was sin-binned for a high shot on Raiders winger Savelio Tamale, giving the Raiders an early advantage.
Just nine minutes into the match, Tamale capitalized on a last-minute offload from Raiders centre Sebastian Kris to score in the right corner, putting the Raiders ahead 4-0, though the conversion was missed.
However, the Dolphins quickly retaliated; fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took advantage of a series of repeat sets to score under the posts, and winger Jamayne Isaako converted, shifting the lead to 6-4 in favor of the Dolphins.
The game escalated as both teams exchanged momentum, but the second half saw the Raiders tighten their defense, keeping the Dolphins scoreless.
This pivotal adjustment allowed the Raiders to capitalize on their scoring chances, ultimately sealing a commanding victory.
The home crowd in Canberra played a crucial role in energizing the Raiders, who showcased resilience and strategic play throughout the match to transform an initially challenging game into a remarkable comeback triumph.