Rugby League

Michael Chammas

Michael Chammas is a sports reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald

Party time: Chad Townsend, James Maloney and Valentine Holmes celebrate.

Townsend holds no grudges over demotion

Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend wasn't impressed by Shane Flanagan's decision to hook him from the field against the Raiders a fortnight ago, but insists he always respected the coach's decision.

Anthony Milford's departure was the catalyst for Canberra's run to this weekend's preliminary final.

The defection that led to Raiders' success

The heartbreak and frustration of losing Anthony Milford was the last straw for Canberra. Millions of dollars invested in developing players, only to see them either shown the door or watch them run through it even faster.

Dominating the middle: Joseph Leilua leads the way for the Raiders.

Raiders not fussed by Storm wrestle

Canberra know they have the formula to beat Melbourne having done so last month, which is why you won't hear any complaints about the Storm's wrestling tactics out of the nation's capital.