Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Canberra Raiders Secure Thrilling Comeback Victory Against Cronulla Sharks in Nail-Biting NRL Clash
In a captivating NRL encounter, the Canberra Raiders orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the Cronulla Sharks, clinching a dramatic victory in the dying moments of the match. Ricky Stuart, the typically animated coach of the Canberra side, displayed uncharacteristic elation as his team sealed the win with a last-minute try, sending home fans into raptures.
Last-Gasp Try Seals Dramatic Win
With just 90 seconds remaining on the clock and trailing by two points, the Raiders, also known as the Green Machine, appeared to be running out of time and attacking inspiration. However, a sweeping play across the field culminated in Xavier Savage skillfully grubber-kicking the ball through for fullback Kaeo Weekes.
Weekes deftly passed the ball to Simi Sasagi, who then delivered a crucial inside pass to Sebastian Kris. Kris crossed the try line, securing a sensational 24-20 victory and igniting jubilant celebrations both on and off the field at GIO Stadium.
Coach Stuart’s Joyful Sideline Reaction
“You’ve witnessed the true essence of this club in that final moment,” an ecstatic Stuart declared post-match. “You’ve seen the very foundation upon which this club is built.” The Raiders coach, known for his passionate sideline demeanor, was overcome with joy, embracing members of his staff in celebratory headlocks.
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Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s uncontained elation as his team completed a late surge to defeat Cronulla just before the final whistle on Thursday night.
Known for his game-day intensity, Stuart, affectionately nicknamed ‘Sticky’, enthusiastically hugged Raiders staff following Sebastian Kris’s winning try.
Sin Bin Incident Amidst Tense Match
The Raiders’ victory occurred despite a period where they were reduced to 12 players. Canberra second-rower Hudson Young was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes after making contact with Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes in the 58th minute, falling victim to the NRL’s recent crackdown on high tackles.
League officials had previously warned coaches about stricter enforcement regarding forceful head contact. While Young’s tackle was penalized, an earlier incident involving Cronulla forward Billy Burns on Matt Timoko, deemed similar in force, only resulted in a penalty.
Dour Second Half Contrasts Frenetic First Half
Aside from the dramatic conclusion, the second half was largely uneventful. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon attributed the subdued second-half performance to fatigue from a short five-day turnaround for both teams.
“I believe both teams were fatigued towards the end,” Fitzgibbon commented. “We struggled to find a breakthrough, and they managed to capitalize in that final play.”
Stuart’s post-match demeanor was not entirely celebratory as he criticized the NRL’s intensified focus on high tackles.
Canberra players celebrating the decisive try that secured the win with only 90 seconds remaining in the game.
Fitzgibbon added, “It was a closely contested match overall, but our execution was slightly lacking at crucial moments.”
The second half stood in stark contrast to an energetic first half where both Canberra and Cronulla traded tries, each scoring three to reach halftime tied at 18-all.
Try-for-Try First Half Action
Matty Nicholson initiated the scoring for the home team. Mawene Hiroti subsequently responded for Cronulla, capitalizing on a gap between Timoko and Savage just minutes later. Young then scored for Canberra following a Tom Starling grubber kick. Briton Nikora quickly countered for Cronulla, exploiting defensive lapses from Kris and Ethan Strange. A second try from Young was then mirrored by another from Nikora.
Nikora’s second try was unconventional. After a Cronulla attack broke down on the final tackle, Nikora attempted a grubber kick past Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh. The ball deflected off Horsburgh’s knees, fortuitously returning to Nikora’s path. Nikora instinctively kicked the ball a third time and grounded it in the in-goal area.
Raiders Ascend to Top Eight
This victory propels Canberra into the top eight standings as they prepare for their next challenge: an away game against Parramatta in Darwin. Meanwhile, Cronulla, now facing two consecutive defeats and another underwhelming performance from key player Nicho Hynes, are set for a challenging away fixture against a high-performing Manly team.