This was published 8 years ago
Raiders v Bulldogs: Canberra can launch a top four assault
By Jon Tuxworth
MIXED BAG FOR WIGHTON, BUT HE HAS LAST LAUGH
Canberra Raiders fullback Jack Wighton can make an error, but he showed admirable courage in putting his early mistakes behind him to play a big role in the Raiders win. Twice his inability to field kicks in the first half led directly to Bulldogs tries. It followed his awful brain snap in the loss to St George Illawarra a fortnight ago, which gifted the Dragons a golden point win. However, he did pull off two try-saving tackles in the opening 40 minutes on Aiden Tolman, and a one-on-one bell ringer on opposite Sam Perrett after he made a break. In the second half he threw a pass down his own end, which put Edrick Lee away for the match-levelling try. Wighton has always had the personality of being a player who thrives if confident, but beats himself up if things aren't going his way. The Raiders players made a point of giving him a boost at half-time, and it reaped dividends.
RAIDERS CAN MAKE A PUSH FOR THE TOP FOUR
It's only May, but getting the two points at home was simply a must for the Raiders. The win catapulted them from 10th to sixth, and just three points outside the top four. Given they play other weakened teams through the Origin period, Canberra has a chance to at least cement their place in the top eight. It was a remarkable win, but by coach Ricky Stuart's admission, they were nowhere near their best and looked nothing short of lethargic for most of the first 50 minutes. But once they get a sniff they are an attacking machine that is hard to stop once they wrest momentum.
Raiders' coach Ricky Stuart celebrates the final try with assistant coach Mick Crawley.Credit: Rohan Thomson
JUNIOR WASTES NO TIME MEETING HIS NEW TEAMMATES
Eels star Junior Paulo was given an official release and joined the Raiders midway through the second half of Sunday's game. The big prop introduced himself to his new teammates in the sheds. Paulo's arrival gives Stuart a welcome selection headache. Who misses out in the forwards? Luke Bateman has been outstanding, and fellow youngster Joseph Tapine had his best game in a Raiders jersey since shifting from Newcastle this year. When Josh Papalii returns from Origin duty, one or two players will be desperately unlucky to be dropped to NSW Cup.
DREAM DEBUT FOR SMITH
Reimis Smith played an entire game of NSW Cup on Saturday, before being a late call-up to replace Josh Morris after he was called into NSW Origin camp. His NRL debut couldn't have begun any better, scoring a try off his first touch of the game, and grabbing a second later in the first half. But he was exposed in defence when he left his wing to open up space for his opposite Jordan Rapana to score. Morris was due to mark one of the game's most in-form centres, Joey Leilua, but Smith avoided that huge challenge when Bulldogs coach Des Hasler shifted Curtis Rona to centre. Hasler said afterwards Smith was only told at 10am of his selection, and had to drive from Sydney to Canberra.
GRAHAM IS ONE OF THE GAME'S GREAT COMPETITORS
When Jarrod Croker grabs the ball with acres of open space in front of him, it's generally "put down your glasses" time. But in another showing of sheer determination and will, Bulldogs prop James Graham did enough to worry his opposing captain out of scoring. It eventually came to nought when the Raiders spread the ball out wide to score through Joey Leilua with the Dogs defence cut to ribbons, but it was inspirational stuff. That's why they made the big Englishman captain.