Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters | 2009 NRL Round 2 | Full Match Replay

it's a battle between two teams that lost in round one desperately looking for their first points of season 2009 it's a first home game for the Canberra Raiders while the roosters will be wanting to make last weekend's capitulation to the rabbitohs a distant memory good afternoon everyone welcome to Canberra Stadium on a beautiful Autumn afternoon in the nation's capital and quite a healthy crowd to see the Canberra Raiders take on the Sydney roosters in what promises to be an entertaining game and a critical one particularly for the roosters so early in the season let's have a look at the team cards for this afternoon because there are a few changes first of all the Sydney roosters and the big news around Canberra today is that Willie Mason is back for the roosters he will start in jumper number 20 so big news for them lopini payer goes back to The Interchange bench Ben Jones will also come onto the bench mark and Kennedy and Jake friend the two players omitted and Brad Fiddler is the coach for the Sydney Sydney roosters who were pretty ordinary last week against South Sydney or a bit of an understatement the Canberra Raiders well they took on the west tigers in an entertaining game and suffered a loss and will be Keen to resurrect their season today with a win at home in their first game for 2009 as we look at their team card and some changes there as well Phil Graham is out Jared Croaker the 18 year old cousin of Legend here at Canberra Jason croker makes his first grade debut today Alan tongue is the skipper Tom Leroy Lars and Troy Thompson come onto the interchange bench no Stuart Flanigan the Nigel Plum the coach of course is David ferna joining me in commentary this afternoon Wayne Pearson Wayne it is a big game for both teams but I think more so for the roosters because of their loss in the way they lost last week yeah you can say that all teams have one poor performance through the course of the year in the last year from the rooster's point of view I'm sure their fans will hope that they got that out of the way well and truly early on in the season but where they struggled last week was in their enthusiasm they came out of the blocks very poorly and South just blew him off The Paddock early on their Forge needs to step up against a Raiders outfit that is very enthusiastic weekend week out who struggles to to win the contest in that play the ball area uh almost on every encounter and that's going to test uh the the enthusiasm and I suppose the ability to to wrestle in tight there in those rucks today or big news for the roosters with Willie Mason returning there's Craig fitzgib and Anthony minicello he is running game returning if kicks will be critical this afternoon for the roosters and kicking game of the halves braith and Esther and Mitchell Pierce will be very important also for a Sydney Rooster's side which was embarrassed by their performance last week against the roosters to give you an idea of how much they're blown off The Paddock by South last week in general play The Roosters only came up with five kicks in general play and that's probably the lowest I can ever recall a team five kicks in general play in the whole game so they were just on the back foot for most of the match they've so they've really got to step up and contest in that playable area a stat that doesn't read well for the roosters as they make their way into the field let out by Captain Brayton Astor their average loss in the last five away losses has been 25 the average winning margin for the Raiders at home is 33. and Anthony minicello what a player he is in coming back from a very serious back injury yes he's a real competitor in the trials he was outstanding for the roosters last week didn't get many opportunities because they were on the back foot for most of the game but he chimes in around the rock will work well off a nasta and also Pierce here come the Canberra Raiders their first game at home for the Year let out by the inspirational Captain Alan tongue and the Raiders on me the green machine make their way out onto the ground they played in a tiny brand of football if you live in Canberra and you love your footy you'd be here every week the way they play the game now the Canberra Raiders and two fullbacks who are just potent attacking weapons against each other today well David Mill was an absolute Revelation last year played prior to that being floating around on the wing for a few years but last year they threw him into into fullback as a bit of a stop Gap and absolutely blew the opposition apart and averaged 140 meters a game last year and he'll be looking to continue that form throughout 2009. Jose sad off season for the Canberra Raiders with the passing of the father of the Canberra Raiders Les McIntyre oam it was fundamental in the establishment of this wonderful club and we all pay our respects here this afternoon the first home game for the Canberra Raiders with a minute silence but Liz McIntyre oam [Music] [Music] [Music] foreign stadium and there's round two Telstra Premiership clash between the Raiders and the roosters the return of Willie Mason for the roosters now referees this afternoon Jarrod Maxwell and Jared Sutton Jared and Justice second game in the top grade [Applause] quickly Jared Maxwell signals time on and we're underway NRL Sunday round two the Raiders in their lime green defending the Northern end of Canberra stadium and David Milne has the first touch and hit up of the afternoon and makes it out 15 out from his eight line well the roost is clearly offside Marco nearly he was almost going to be first receiver there for the Canberra Raiders but last week they struggled to get their share of possession off the back a lot of drop ball this week penalties at home you know that the referees are going to tend to lean towards the team that is least disciplined in terms of uh or against that team and the roosters haven't started off well some foot on it next time is Miller taking it forward it just goes into acting half before the Canberra Raiders 30 odd meters out from the Line Camp easy to Mills stepping back on the inside Mitchell pierce with a high tackle nothing much in it to shoulder yeah but back-to-back penalties they just can't afford this they need to start off well with roosters to show each other that they're going to be competitive that uh to boost their confidence well it gives the Riders 15 meters to work with for the first points of the afternoon let's see what the roosters have got defensively as Josh Miller takes it Forward 10 meters out from the line just in line with the left hand uprights The Roosters couldn't afford possibly to concede so early tongue five meters out o'meally in there doing some defensive work say two Fitzgibbon make miles as well buttress finding Shillington now Camp easy long pass over top and per tell has dropped the ball with the line wide open there was a definite try going begging there the pass was probably a looping pass that probably fell a little bit low a bit hard to take oh no we should have taken that he should have taken that and that would have been a mighty mighty blow against the roosters so early on in this encounter note that pertel is actually playing out on the wing looks like the rookie Crocker has moved into the centers so the roosters with their first touch of the football this afternoon they're starting to get out of their own end he's miles at Herbert Monahan there to make the tackle as well orbison's in there at acting half I mean James the number nine here's a merely good tackle Miller knocked him down over the top was Bronson Harrison Tung was there as well if it's Gibbon picks up in some easy meters as the Raiders were caught on their heels last tackle here for the roosters just shy of the halfway line Pierce will kick it about six meters short of that Mark it's going to find open space but it's a nice bounce here for Mill and dummies there to Carney decides to take them on himself unless the roosters are positive there they've got their kick on this occasion after you mentioned way down he had five last week yeah that was an enthusiastic running game there by uh the forwards Fitzgibbons in particular blade look to play the ball quick they really need to follow it up with a sustained defensive effort they've got to get off the line quick they weren't getting off their line last week it started off a lot better here today [Applause] they go wide again Herbert coming on the ankle Harrison pops the ball back to Shillington he's now tackled ten minutes short of the halfway line Campisi all taken and Esther the man that's penalized really Mason was in there as well that's three penalties in three minutes well when you want to be more aggressive and play more enthusiastically it's easy to to just lose to lose your focus somewhat they're just going a little bit High trying to hit a little bit harder but going a little bit too high in defense buttress as they go wide to Shillington to get them in the center of the field here the Raiders to give them options left and right Campisi stands on the left Herbert stands on the right buttra stands at acting half he then passes to Miller down the middle of the rock and a shoulder charge there from seta Marta and that Miller could pick up a few more meters now Herbert here's Milne coming from behind good tackle there from anaster Herbert hit again after he's passed the ball that's seven twice in the last two sets now here's tongue Miller straightened forward a milli Z to medium Rich bits given we're only five meters away from the line hope they'll hear the Canberra Raiders buttress at act be half decoy run from tan Campisi now finds the youngster Craig a stepping Knight on his feet and has tackled a couple of meters away from the goal line last tackle Campisi points to the air Monahan Waits out on this right wing SAR slow to his feet it's off a green machine head and knocked on there by Mill and the roosters have come up with possessions I know it's take a little bit of fuel out of the roosters tanks so early on in this game to do back to back sets on their line but it'll give them a lot of confidence in each other to know that they've been able to keep the Raiders out because they looked very very threatening and do it and they get a relieving penalty very much a relieving penalty isn't it five minutes gone five minutes gone the penalty count three one now being March 10 meters here for some back chat and I bet you that was just a Mumble under the breath forgetting that there was a second referee standing right next to him but that's as a as a coach from the team that gets the penalty I think gee that's another penalty they get oh it doesn't really make much difference though does it here come the rooster [Applause] I'm merely inside the 20. Orbison now Pierce Crossfield turns it Insider and that's the nice tackle Miller 12 meters out from the line the roosters after absorbing some pressure the chance now to maybe Score first here's miles straight three Green Machine players bringing to the ground but Chris one of them Miller in there in Shillington Orbison at acting half here's Pierce kicking into the in gallery there's no chance although Fitzgibbon gets there late it's on the ground who wants it forced if it's given really the only Chaser and Canberra seemed to take their time because they weren't concerned about the chase from Craig Fitzgibbon but in the end he almost got there yeah they were left a little bit posted there was a good option to kick early because it caught the Raiders napping but the same time their Chasers just worked through there quick enough [Applause] what a booming drop kick that's almost a world record 30 meters out from his own line minicello takes it and finds it finds Nate miles minicello had to run 20 meters to link up with him what a dropkick that was you can kick a ball Terry Campisi can't he Mason plays it now here's o'meally nice tackle Again by Miller hard around the legs chopped him down up towards the 20. buttress inside the Fitzgibbon another good tackle there from Shillington around the legs dropped him down Pierce Mason runs the decoy inside is minicello underground in Space the referee a forward pass the touch Judge David abood said it was forward and Jarrod Maxwell comes back and says I agree or I accept your call and no try to The Roosters it must have been close well they're looking sharp The Roosters they're looking very sharp indeed this is one of their pet plays minicello coming around it's uh yeah obviously the touchdown was in good position we can't possibly tell from the angle of this camera the test judge was in line but it was a play that the roosters have used over the past uh couple of years with minicello coming around and I'll continue to use it through the course of the day I think you got it right he passed before the line minute chill out was caught after the line and he had to Lunge for two Kenny Dow and it was a butchered try there from the roosters huge sigh of relief for Canberra supporters he's turning out [Applause] [Music] [Applause] some encouraging signs here for the roosters keep the Raiders under control down the other end and their first opportunity they could have scored here's Mill Kenny Dow coming off his wing to make the tackle again and Mason's there also we can see a lot more enthusiasm in the way they're moving off their defensive line today uh The Roosters the waiters that's where the Raiders should be looking at to try and Target some yards in around the rack against against the role of the attack a terrific kick there from Campisi he didn't have much room to work with he was under pressure he kicked it back to the wrong side for a right foot kicker and found touch somehow trouble for the Raiders though buttress limping to this scrum and with no Flanigan on the bench it means the tongue would have to go in as Brad Pitt look so as a 40 20. was he inside the 40 is that what they're saying the crowds cheering on watching buttress come back he's very close herb has got the ball if that's the 40 20. that's one of the best you've ever seen well he had not much angle to work with he was only about 15 maybe twenties mate 20 meters in for the sideline there we can see here and it kicks Back Against the Grain off the outside of his off of the outside of his Force terrific stuff from Camp easy what a kick that was it was good before it's even better now that's a 40 20. that's a huge Club here's Kroger near the touchline on the far side it's Gibbon there makes the tackle now Turner Shillington a couple of meters away from the goal line critical play Early particularly if the Raiders can score here Miller runs the decoy here's Camp easy now Herbert [Applause] there the referee said play on it opened up for mill I think if they would have gone upstairs they may have got it to go their way the roosters now Campisi pops the ball back to Harrison comes down the short side again the defense is there Mitch Alberson on this occasion with the tackle last here tongue goes into acting half now Herbert de buttra seems to recover but he steps off his left foot still going on three no one to link with change over they had five on two on the outside but they just couldn't get the ball to them hopefully that is option again I'm sure Glenn buttress would have promoted the football because they had a massive overlap as you pointed out Mark in fact that side of the field the rooster's right side of the field is tending to get caught short almost every occasion the Raiders are looking to go on that side of the field down to the touchline for the first time this afternoon Stuart Rayburn Stewart The Roosters would be I suppose satisfied with their start to this game well Wayne's already said it they're very enthusiastic in the way that they're they're playing their game the sun's come out it's very warm as a penalty goes to the roosters but it's very warm down here and one of the things that both coaches are going to have to be very watchful of is their interchange especially Freddie fitley he's got Willie Mason who hasn't played a lot of football or any football in a long time how he utilizes him and how he utilize their players but it's very warm and the doctors have agreed to let yo trying to go on and give more water throughout this first half as long as they don't abuse it the rooster's fine touch that eight meters into camping territory there's big Willy you see a soliola towards the 30 20 in from the far touch line if it's given now runs it Miller good tackle tongue again 23 meters away from the line on a bit of a roll here the roosters Pierce tries to take the line on and Miller's there to make the tackle 12 meters away from the goal line Orbison James now here's a nasta he tries to take them on Shillington there to make the tackle five away from the goal line Orbison decoy Runo merely dropped the ball and the Raiders have come up with it it'll be a scrum with the Raiders loose in feet but Marco merely coming up with the error get one out play there in that set from The Roosters yeah look to me that Emily was setting himself to run it as a decoy but he received the ball in the end uh there certainly was a brick wall he was running up against and the Raiders goal line defense has been very solid so far they've been tested on three occasions three sets and apart from that trial that was disallowed they've held up [Music] here's Patel so both sides have had an opportunity for a try pertel dropping it with the line wide open in just the first couple of minutes and then Kenny Dowell called back for a forward pass but it's still nilal 13 minutes gone here's Camp easy almost into space quick play the ball too two roosters on the ground buttress out of that be half now to turn steps away from Orbison can't get away from Santa Marta Salvo he's tackled a couple of meters into Russ's territory buttress who seems to fully recover from that look to the ankle waste the tackle there though pierce with the tackle his tongue no one to pass to has to go himself he just dropped the ball and so now the roosters have come up with possession it's in the finalists for the worst picks of the Year we're only in round two well I struggled on any better than that not a right now kicker there Valentine who's looking for a little short one in behind the line but what it has done in these conditions is given good field position to The Roosters it's gonna wear whichever team wins this game today in these hot conditions and they are quite oppressive for this time of the year it's going to require the players to dig extremely deep bear in mind the Raiders last week in their second half didn't score a point against the Tigers so whilst they started well they were poor in the second half particularly in their ball control and On Cue to speaking of ball control this time it's the roosters they've turned it over I would have thought that pass from Orbison to pierce was forward anyway the crowd thought it was but the referee said no and there's just poor control there by Pierce stepping back on the inside saw a hole and ball very greasy out there and I think we're going to see teams struggle to actually complete their sets and the physical confrontation of both these big packs early on is quite quite robust roosters really taking their time to get to this scrum well get some treatment for a cut to the eye running Palmer there Corner man the Raiders fans not too happy about it either finds Herbert now Monahan first opportunity for him to have a bit of a run one on one against Mitch Alberson he's Kearney the best of passes but Campisi's able to tidy it up [Applause] that's been a little bit of radical from the Raiders [Applause] telling Justin County not to do that 10 meters short of the halfway along [Music] [Applause] Turner good hit there from soliola you can feel that up here almost I'm sure he could feel it at home as well but just down the short side here's Croaker can he stay in he does oh the top comes miles or 30 meters away from the line now Camp easy on the last tackle will put it high in the air minutello's got the goal posts near him but no real pressure other than that oh he says he took it in the in goal area I thought he might have taken and then step back but the referee was closer than I yeah I thought it was good work for minicello he had great spatial awareness of where the trial line was put his back foot back there so it was in the in goal area oh no he's a breakdown for the roosters down the touchline and I still think he moved his foot from the field to play into your area to record it 30 meters away from the line [Applause] that had to be made 15 meters out from the line quick play the ball Orbison now to pierce he finds SAR on the inside to soliola a couple of meters away from the line Orbison and acting half Mitchell Pierce had the reach for a kicking for anasta Middle intercepts and now races away from his own goal line dummies too tongue I thought for a moment David Mill was going to open up for him the kick was for an S there's a shoulder charge from Amelia that's forced the ball free Herbert picks it up they've turned defense into attack here through Harrison the Raiders he then passes it out in the back to Kearney well they can't keep this intensity up in these hot conditions it's amazing both teams playing so much Up Tempo it's gonna take its toll it's gonna take a stall 16 and a half minutes gone barely a break because we've had no here's another 40 20 chance from Campisi he's found the touchline was his foot on the line Terry Campisi may have come up with two 40 20s in the first 17 minutes as you pointed out Mark he's got a massive massive boot on him and he was conscious of where the 40 40 meter line was and that's not a problem it's a massive boot it just does it so easy he does but it's not just the length of his kick it's the accuracy signals to the fans he knows what a big turning point this could be and there was no way that the roosters could have stopped that because it was a booming kick in minicello had no chance of getting well he kicked it on early play too so the Winger wasn't going to be back set for it but can they make the most of it they've had their opportunities down here so far the Raiders but haven't been able to convert into points and had 10 opportunities in the opposition 20 and come up with nothing so far Shillington playing first receiver and throws the front rowers pass to Monahan who was almost away and now [Applause] and brings him to ground with Mason Herbert ball to Harrison under enormous pressure pops it back to Mill he looks to pass and then decides he has to go himself he's tackled by Orbison James a couple of minutes away from the goal line buttress turns it into Miller can't get through there Orbison and Amelia waiting for him and using up tackles here camera three to go Herbert Harrison short ball Mitch Orbison with a good tackle two left in this set now and they're now closer to the goal line still a few meters away Patrice Kendall weave everything on there they're here from the Canberra Raiders although the roosters are short to the left here's Camp easy awful kick again Turner's come up with it knock on says the referee have seen two finalists for the worst kick of the year in the first 18 minutes from the Raiders after such a boomy one from Campisi that was one of the poorests that you'll see from Canberra yeah they've come up with a poor a few poor options on their set completions and Terry Campisi we don't normally see too much of that but the roosters defense give them a big a big tick because as I said last week they weren't getting off their line they lacked enthusiasm but so far in this match they're racing off their line in defense and that's putting pressure on the ball players Terry campuzzi and Herbert for the Raiders the roosters have got up to the halfway with relative ease as well [Applause] knocked it on just as we were saying how easy they were making their way down the field they come up with an error about to see Shane Shackleton come into the game for the roosters the first in the change of the match to be made by Sydney roosters as we see Mr Simple mistake yeah but I'm not critical of that I mean if you if you just go and lock the ball up uh all game you might complete your sets but you're really going to be unproductive in terms of coming up with points second phase Solly Allah should have been just looking for to stay alert there could have been an opportunity as a play you've got to make a decision is it the right time or the wrong time and sometimes it can come up with a wrong decision about making an error the Raiders last week had 9N offloads and it really caused a lot of trouble especially for the first half against the West Tigers Bronson Harrison himself come up with nine now he's already come up with a couple and he's very strong on his right hand side here's Troy Thompson who's on the field in Japan number 19 for the green machine he's tackled right in center field 22 meters away from the goal line he's hurt though in his first touch of the football yeah just took further to what Stewie was saying in hot conditions if you can promote second phase play it really does torment the opposition and burn up their fuel and burn up their energy and the Raiders last week particularly in that first half against the Tigers were outstanding they haven't been able to come up with the same sort of offloads early in this game and really test the rooster's defense on that second phase defense hopefully just the cork there for Thompson and some treatment to her left leg left knee injury first hit up he's only just been on the field for about 30 seconds he's got a huge work rate too Troy Thompson so if he can't continue that that will knock them around enormously and their interchange benches you mentioned in the hot conditions as well this is the first time since round 12 in 2008. according to our statistician Malcolm in the Middleton the Raiders have failed to score in the first 20 minutes at home so it's been a while the fans are wondering what's going on as Thompson is limping from the field Chillington was going to come off for Tom Leroy Lars but he's been sent back onto the field and Thompson may have come on for 30 seconds and may be going straight off and Tom Leroy Lars continues to wait on the touchline in jumper number 22. well they're reluctant to bring Thompson off because he's only just going on well that's right yeah well that's that's another dent not there's a mistake Shillington drops the football [Applause] limped off Thompson and Tom Leroy Lars is going on maybe it's a little bit more than a cork [Applause] for Thompson maybe there's that rack of some strength in the meat and then the roosters keep it alive here and here's Nate miles runs it buttressed it through that tackle but couldn't get away from tongue ten short of the halfway line they're playing aggressively the roost is a lot more aggressively than they were last week and they're looking a lot more confident they're going forward in numbers and they're getting yardage over the advantage line relatively easily there he goes Thompson up the tunnel not a good sign for Canberra ball on the ground who who wants it Mitch Alberson picks it up Tom Leroy Lance back from suspension flings in the ground here's the last Pierce puts the ball high in the era tester here for Milne Here Comes A nasta Milne does very well he's lost the ball minicello there's a penalty [Applause] and within 10. Shane Shackleton penalized for being in front of the kicker Anthony minicello knocked the ball free but then knocked it on there anyway so Canberra would have come up with possession he did well didn't he David Milne well he's one of the most improved players in the competition over the past 12 months he came into first grade basically been hovering around for a few years out on the wing for the loaders but came in to fill a hole at fullback last year and made it his own he's been extremely dangerous on Kick receptions since he'd been playing fullback for just under 12 months five short of halfway Cambridge into the field three interchange made now by Canberra as David Chillington comes off is pertel the outside man trying to get into relieve some of the pressure for the forwards and we'll be feeling in these warm conditions at 26 27 degrees here in Campbell on Trevor thurley the three said no now here's Herbert Monahan Kenny Dow coming in off his wing to assist Mason to make the tackle two tackles left in the sit here for Canberra blue red Lars Fitzgibbon as they try and wrap the ball up here the roosters they know how dangerous this Canberra side can be if they're offloads last tackle Campisi that's sort of a kick will it be a little kick for the corner minicello has it covered it's an awkward bounce for him and Craig is there to wrap him up and now they've got to work it out from their own end here the roosters he's got such a variety to his kicking game too Terry Campisi he can kick high with accuracy he kicks along with accuracy he's got a good kick along the ground as well so he's growing in not only uh in confidence but I think in his Ray of skills since he's settled on the 5-8 position because bear in mind if he floated around as a bit of a back roller come Center come five eight uh for first couple of years before he settled in at the 5H Rock [Applause] The Tackle his night malls down there a little bit the worst for wear these miles and he's Tom Leroy Lars he's been strong for them two Nate miles he really came of age towards the back end of last season for the roosters and he started off well in the trials earlier in this season like they were all pretty poor last week but he's been one of their consistent performers go really real good strong go forward player he's tough too it's got to be a solid knock to keep him down [Applause] miles having words with Tumblr at Lars there is Mal meninga looking on a legend here at Canberra and now the ball is kept alive here by the roosters down the far touch line Sam perrett comes away from the eastern touchline and his tackle just over the 50. we'll play the ball back here's Pierce Fitzgibbon [Applause] Shackleton nice tackle turn over the top Turner ola dunian from Eastern touchline near the wind picking up in the ground microphones and be a cooling breeze as well as Orbison Mitchell back on the inside away from two three four back to Minnesota steps inside Turner bounces away he lost the ball minicello the goal line was right there is someone going to score a try this afternoon he would have thought with these two sides or camera in particular we'd see plenty but 25 gone they've had their chances but no one's taken them we'll see plenty with this heat takes its toll particularly in the back end of this game but Mitch Orbison back on the inside minicello he just knows how to support he knows where to run on support virtually gets over the line but last ditch desperation defense there from the Raiders manages to knock the ball free he's heard himself bad here two minute cello he's in a lot of pain I think his ankle got caught and this is not a good sight you can see Falls awkwardly just here I think it is left ankle yeah he's left ankle and how you can get up after that as a miracle shows how Supple all the ligaments and tenons are for these players but he can't go on shortly he can barely walk so 28 degrees at the moment the temperature according to Malcolm in the Middleton our statistician he's just he's had his fingertips everything well you look at minicello he's a player that needs his speed he needs his Mobility too at fullback so it's going to be tough to to see if it can free that angle up very quickly this is just when you see something like that and see a player get up and he's not walking great but he's a chance to run this out mini cello he won't want to come off I mean the fortunate thing about an ankle is you unlike a new your knees very hard to strap up you can actually strap up an ankle uh and give it a fair bit of support particularly if it's the ligaments let's get into the touchline Stewie Raper who's got some news on Troy Thompson yeah well he's back out on the sideline they're still working on him it looks like a left knee injury which is uh good news because he's obviously coming back from an Achilles problem but they're still working and they still think he's a chance oh there's an error and he has a chance for the roosters Willie Mason if he's throwing the they score in the corner minicello who's still limping and Monaghan there's coding at Big Willy now they may score have you ever seen a player limp and stumble for a try in the corner he looked 90 years look at the touch line down here I'm okay with the grounding but he may have scored the try Anthony minicello he was hobbling massively he was still same hobbling there but we're lucky did he actually stay in the field of play because he didn't have much speed happening for him he yeah he's willing here and that's a try yeah he's done well he's done well and he'll come straight off because he can't play I didn't think he was going to get there here's the decision from Tim Mander there will be a try and the last bit of action for Anthony minicello there it is the roosters have finally put points on the board they lead by four points to nil and surely that's the last bit of that can Anthony minichillo we'll see this afternoon well I don't know if it might be able to come back on depends on what the injury is but The Roosters they hit back to this near side well this is the second occasion the first time Willie Mason almost got the ball free decided to hold it in the end they came back on a second occasion and they've highlighted the the Raiders right side defense as a weakness last week against the Tigers the Tigers attacked the Raiders right side defense come up with a couple of tries here today the roosters have decided to Target that same area let's not forget too it came off the back of the mistake dropped ball from Justin Carney from a scrum simple pass should have been caught here's Fitzgibbon tough kick near touch 21 meters 22 meters out spoon The Roosters the last 10 or so minutes for the dominated possession and field position [Applause] he struck it reasonably well but it's just not coming back enough and so the score remains Four Points to nil The Roosters over the Raiders who have conceded eight I've tried the first try and aid of their last 10 games so that Trend continues yeah but it's just reward for the roosters who have played Up Tempo they played enthusiastic they've actually been supporting each other very well so far in this match and looking to keep the ball away they've been looking to promote the football yeah sure they've come up with a few errors off the back of that but it's also resulting in that try if it was 10 meters he had to run miticello he wouldn't have made it he wouldn't have I thought it was eight you see the last five minutes has been quite stunningly towards the roosters 20 minutes 20 meters out I should say from Their Own Line 13 minutes of play remaining till half time it's given to your leads by example Craig Fitzgibbons since he's 243rd game and he's playing as good as he's ever played here's the kick and inside the 10. Mill [Music] 15 out from his own line oh James I think Paul new asyla getting ready to come on for the roosters and his Kearney he's got a bit to make up for and the Raiders still just getting back on side so they are looking a little bit they look like the Heat's starting to take its toll the racers have had the bulker position in recent times and they're just not playing the up-tempo enthusiastic style that we've come accustomed to watching [Applause] ten short of halfway is Leroy Lars good run there from Leroy glass picking up about 15 meters and three roosters needed to bring him to ground last tackle here for can Brett kempizzi they decide to run it they've got numbers here Harrison Monahan he now has the kick the ball is high Ben Jones back there a full back replacing minicello a little bit of pressure on him he slips and gets away from one that can't get away from the second and this is a question mark for the roosters as well because Ben Jones normally a five eight or Center playing at full back positionally might be an opportunity for Terry Campisi to try and work him over with those kicks in behind the line but did well on that occasion Ben Jones and down at the touch lines Juda Raper yeah well obviously we saw him in Attila go off without ankle injury looks like he will not be back a brave effort otherwise you've got to tip your hat off to Willie Mason first going back is going 30 minutes or 29 minutes in this oppressive heat and he's still running around so he's got a tip his hat off it's a good break for Morrison up the middle 35 meters away from the Canberra line he'll play it pierce it acting half and nasta kicking for the corner Milne coming across as it just got too much on it it has so it'll be a 20 minute restart here for the Canberra Raiders I think both sides would be pleased to have a little bit of a breather here the rate is really under the pump they've had hardly any position uh over the last probably 10 minutes The Roosters looking to play Up Tempo they're playing a lot of enthusiasm and they're going forward in numbers what I like is the fact they're getting off the line in defense [Applause] here's Camp easy now Leroy Lars straight and hard with the offload back to campusi numbers here for the Raiders Harrison sliding defense here from The Roosters Carney's still going good cover defense there from Shane Shackleton brings him to ground 10 into roosters territory Harrison [Applause] goes on the outside here to buttress playing right he's straightens through a gap taken from behind by Fitzgibbon five meters away from the line Turner had acting half Ken peasy kicking new asyla played at that for mine still last tackle if you come up and put pressure on the kicker surely if you touch the football it has to be restarted and tongue makes the tackle on the roosters I think they're a bit hard done by the other Raiders yeah I thought he played at the football which should have been a restart but that nevertheless you go with the call and the roosters now looking to clear the football once again the Raiders they're just not getting off the line and up to be they look like they're running low on fuel understandably so because uh it's been such a fast contest in this first half Willie Mason coming from the field good stint first up there for a big Willy of 31 minutes what's the quality of his effort today too Willie Mason he's really uh looked to enthused the The Roosters forwards he's been looking to cut the ball over the over the advantage line and his talk he's called their Talk's been great his Pierce kicking on the last tackle was that touched by the Raiders I think it was now it wasn't says the referee out on the fall from Mitchell Pierce change over an opportunity here for the Canberra Raiders well he'd be filthy with that particular kick that went out on before that shot didn't have much angle to work with trying to cut a little bit too fine leroid Lars at Crossfield he's proven a handful since he's come on the way the pass wasn't great picked up there by thurling he then off lights to Harrison they've gone back about 15 meters here Canberra he keeps it alive now to her but Herbert finds Mill he goes forward steps out of attack and he's back to the halfway line well they lost five meters but it went through about 10 sets of hands forward they just haven't got the go forward happening here once again Lyra lards gets snapped down there Shane Shackleton was the man he's he's come on and made a real difference for the roosters as well his County trying to duck under some Defenders Shackleton new asylum in there and Astra as well 40 meters out from the roosters line Sterling good tackle shackles has been impressive since he's come on work he has done has been terrific now he's her but I think peasy filthy he didn't get the ball at the first receiver Milan goes into acting half to pick up plays it and he's the kick from her but it's to the wing of Kenny Dow Monahan was blocked out of the what's a penalty well I'm not sure that Mitchell Orbison changed never go for the ball he may not have been going for the ball but he said I don't know whether he changed his Direction he's entitled to run well I'm not gonna say it again at least he has yeah yeah that's fair enough yeah you can't object to that he changed his line and that's that's the key indicator that the referee was looking at he didn't camouflage it very well either [Applause] they've had so many opportunities here Canberra they haven't scored yet which is unusual for them they keep it alive again Tang Herbert long ball Monahan Kenny down off his wing again making the tackle 10 meters away from the line buttress at acting half his tongue showing it inside five meters away now quick play the ball back to buttress chance here for the Raiders surely must score no breaker can't get it away terrific tackle parrot unmarked purtellini's outside Campisi had no one to pass to goes himself if he can reach out it'll score they force him back you can see Terry Campisi filthy with his outside men last tackle comes back to pertel he is going to kick here comes the chase Kenny Dale does well that's terribly nearby County didn't lock it up [Applause] right straight penalty right right and Esther the whistle's gone I'll deal with it you come in you can find yourself in trouble too [Applause] well it's a great take here by Sean Kennedale County tackled him whilst he was still in the air and that's what obviously the roosters players were objecting to but the penalty had already been given by the referee Jared Sutton so coming down to the final five minutes of his first half critical part of the game the feeling that Canberra is getting more and more frustrated as this game goes on they are getting frustrated in that last set you made made mention of it but they're tackled by Sam Parrott a parrot on Croaker saved a try which almost looked like a certain try and and the Raiders really needed that needed they need to show that they can break this Rooster's line Shackleton Terry campus is getting frustrated because the the players aren't in the position that they're obviously supposed to be he's been barking instructions per tell Stuart parent loses it almost came up with possession and Canberra that should be a penalty in his well that was silly from Santa Marta if I had them pinned inside their own tin just before half-time and well that's they're cage Killers that's just yeah you're just brain dumb when you do stuff like that I mean it's nose what's the logic in doing something like that as blatant as that yeah the referee had already called held [Applause] he's still keeping a live here Canberra as buttress has tackle just started with a 30-meter line [Music] tongue and Carney let's get into the touchline steward Roper has a word on Anthony minicello yeah it's not not good news for Anthony cello he it's his left ankle it left like a ligament uh they're going to take him to the hospital for the cautionary x-rays so he won't be back so it's unfortunate but uh How brave was he absolutely that tab is not too serious because to what he's been through with his back we hear about players scoring on one leg he's literally done that absolutely campusi now he is Herbert now the pass to Harrison back to the middle of the Rock Camp easy Campisi goes back to pick up picker straightens has the arm free but doesn't offload the football and it's the last here for Canberra who just soon to be going around in circles a bit at the moment as Campisi puts it High Here Comes Kenny Dowell they all watch it and her but just couldn't quite get me to take it off Mark Herbert fifth tackle Handover so the change over here for the roosters yeah there's no real punch there from the Raiders they they just look flat they they look incohesive and Campisi yes Campisi is fresh looking frustrated but uh it's not a normal Raiders performance they're just playing very fragmented indeed 10 short on the halfway line three minutes out from half time the Raiders Canelo forward to consider try it here four points to nil there's not much to worry about but 10 points to know becomes a pretty handy lead last tackle here for the roosters pierce with another kick to the wing if pertel looks too deep he lets it Go his head touching goal I'll be a 20 minute restart [Applause] a little bit too deep on that kick there didn't give the Chasers enough time to get through but the right the roosters are still Keen they're still moving up off the line and obviously they've had their tails down all week caught the massive amount of criticism uh in the press and probably Justified but they've come out here today man really put in a a wonderful first half performance off the back of what happened last week [Applause] and the Riders will have field position again just before half time but they've been down this end on Plenty of occasions before 21 tackles in the opposition 20 without a try without a point and only really looked like it once with or twice hotels dropped it in a great Tackle by Sam perrett on Croaker to stop the try yeah they just haven't had the usual Bodies in Motion and that's frustrating their ball players Terry Campisi in particular [Applause] his tongue now Camp pz Harrison runs the decoy Herbert now to count he's back to his hands and over the touchline [Applause] on that occasion they've done it a few times in this go a lot of times in this game they've just moved the ball laterally The Roosters are sliding off them putting pressure on them on that occasion they came up with the error there's not the usual change of Direction the players back on the inside uh running the angles it's just not happening here today for the Raiders yeah they're not used to it here the Canberra stadium in recent years these supporters but they're only down four points to nil s 30 seconds out from the break and how both sides would be looking forward to a spell very hot conditions here this afternoon in Canberra it's a couple of months whinging about the coals Orbison plays it he's a Nestor throwing the dummy Monahan in there he's right center position to make the tackle oh Glenn go there's a hard pass to pierce and Herbert there to make the tackle 25 out from his own line is Kenny Dow who's done terrific work defensively so far for the roosters and there's the halftime siren and the Sydney roosters go to the break with a lead they lead the Canberra Raiders by four points to nil just the one trying the first half but both sides have had plenty of chances we'll take a break and come back and look at the first 40 minutes well uh big bladder Canberra Glenn butchers is going for the game with an ankle injury he's on crutches so I'm sure they'll be utilizing Alan Tung in that position Dave ferna he wants the Raiders to get a bit more direct before they get a lateral which is why they're doing it they just seem to be offloading too much as far as the rooster is concerned Freddie fitler is very happy with the way they performed this up there's a bit of a bruise picked up and I think you'll be looking to see that they will be kicking early in the tackle count well here they come the roosters break the nest is out on the field there's no one winning they're all still in the dressing room well bright is very keen he's out there on his own there he is the only player on the field and the roosters will finally come out behind him it was like it was his 200th game and he was being allowed to come out on his own there break the Nestor so but that is critical for Canberra Glenn buttress won't be back and of course Troy Thompson lasted 30 seconds so they may be down to just two interchange in these very warm conditions here the Canberra Raiders now the roosters are down and work right forward to 80 minute players uh or potentially uh long-term players on the field you're looking at a massive blow given these hot conditions well Thompson is back on the bench for Canberra Bronson Harrison has done plenty of work defensively a number of hit-ups as well he's got his left knee very heavily strapped and Olympic Thompson so there's Thompson there with the other interchange see that left knee he seems to be limpy near just walking for me the second half about to get underway foreign campusi has the ball placed in the center of the halfway line Jared Maxwell says let's go we're underway I think the roosters leading by Four Points the little may get first use of the football in this second half as Masala returns it lingard Lars going a little bit high again [Applause] started well in that first half Shane Shackled and once again Beatrice on crutches not a good sign there with no Flanagan today also means tongue has to go into hooker at least you've got that option there with that on tongue for Canberra he was making the tackle now for the Raiders Shillington as well yeah he's Pierce kicking that was outside the 40 and he's foot over the line and now pertel Taps the ball afterwards the 20 in his tackle so three roosters there to make the tackle where is Glenn buttress and he's put in some ice let's hope it's not a long-term injury for the Raiders time goes into acting half Shillington lands the decoy Herbert turns the ball back on the inside they keep it alive tongue he flicks it at the back and Milne wasn't expecting it should have been they keep the ball alive so often the Raiders and they've come up with an error well when they're not when they're on their game those passes and those uh hands stick but today the Raiders just haven't been on their game they're only four points behind on the scoreboard but they're just nowhere near how they've played at the back end of the last season in the first half last week bear in mind that they've gone for over 80 minutes now back back end of last week 40 minutes last week first 40 minutes this week without scoring a point so they're certainly off their game Orbison being Mitchell his tackle right in center field 38 out from the Raiders line [Applause] on the field playing the football in his Pierce now a nasta with the drop and that was a knock on and he was offside too the Canberra choir so I should have come back for the first infringement because it was kicked by one camera fighting it's Carney one I thought Pika may have been in front of him but anyway Canberra would have come up with possession Craig Fitzgibbon well offside there and now almost into space was her but he's tackled 40 out tan comes into acting half but he has no one to pass to and now Players called offside Here Comes Harrison down the right hand side keeps it alive back to Monahan this is a little bit more like Canberra trying to get the roosters here on the back foot five meters away from the line new Asylum wrestles him onto his back could easily have been penalized there seeing that penalized plenty of occasions Herbert turns the ball back inside the Leroy last straightens good tackle there Fitzgibbon five meters away from the line Herbert now Campisi Mill tried to bounce away there from soliola who came up with a good tackle with the assistance of Santa Marta the last tackle here for Canberra another tackle inside the opposition 20. Camp peasy kicking not his best Jones under no pressure another disappointing end of the set for the Canberra Raiders they haven't finished their sets in very flash fashion apart from Two 40 20s the options that they've taken that one was no pressure on Ben Jones and I thought given Ben Jones a rookie on his second game in first grade and not a nominate or normal fullback I thought Campisi might give him a working him over with regards to some kicks along log around but we haven't seen that as such James has done whatever's up been asked of him so far in this match gee shackleton's been impressive since he's come on he's been outstanding he's just he's just taken the forwards up another level with with his intensity and his enthusiasm higher plays it and go straight back to the ground a little bit of an injury lapini playing with another terrific tackle for Canberra 40 meters away from the line last attack will pierce under pressure from Tong gets the kick to Milne he's running around and almost over around it in the end took it very well and a great tackle for Minister well there's great work from anasta because he was the only one chasing through if if Milton had gone around and asked her he would have cut the ball back another 30 meters and great follow-up defense there by The Roosters well solar and Pierce [Applause] pick up pierce with the tackle 15 murders out from the Raiders line and a penalty a lot of the penalties the roosters have conceded have been down that end of the field to let the Raiders get out of trouble today yeah it's just struggling with the interpretation of how quickly you can get the players up they've got to adapt to this two referee rule otherwise they're going to continue to concede penalties who makes the tackle with Nate miles and Brett The Nest I should say now here's Leroy Lars flicks it out the back to tongue turns it to thurley if it's given is there to make the tackle with James orverson sullyola there as well here's Camp easy now to the line Terry Campisi terrific tackle from it's given there as well short side reach out he's only a meter away from the line Pierce over the top wrapped it up around the legs with CIA soliola sloppy play the ball leads to a sloppy play now Mill and straight there at Paya who makes a very good tackle last again here for the Canberra Raiders here's Herbert to the line kicking it's off the hand of order some money he can't get it down that went backward was it forced by Harrison or did he lose it well I had six again here just looking at see if Joel Monahan actually knocks the ball forward in the end goal I thought it went back from Monahan I had a doubt on Harrison but the referee doesn't and he was closer but I thought out of Monahan's hands and went backwards Tim Mander will decide whether it did or not how did you see it Wayne yeah I've got a question mark over whether or not Monahan knocked the ball forward but it was a difficult kick there a very difficult kick to try and and catch we can't really see from that angle there this Monahan gets a hand he gets a hand on it there's no doubt he gets a hand on it yeah well I think he might I think the ball probably goes forward if you look at the line well from that angle box like it but I'm have a look here [Applause] which way does it go which way does it go yeah I think it looks like a balance of probability went forward I'd probably gone forward I think the line gives us an indication of where contact was and where the ball ends up I think it'll be a knock on I know you say better for the doubt comes in a bit there's just too much doubt there I think there's a lot to try and 20 minute restart that is no try and so the Raiders come up empty again down to the touchline Stuart well the alarm Bells must be ringing for Freddie fitler this offload game of the Raiders is really hurting The Roosters the way that they're popping the ball at the back and getting plenty of second phase he's gone to the bench early in this second half and put Marco Murley back on the field right in center field and Millie plays it yes Fitzgibbon towards the 15 and 15 meter shot of the halfway all the soon off their hands there they see a soliola like he was expecting it to be or thought it was supposed to be a cutout pass there was no one outside him anyway to take it and the roosters have come up with the disappointing error well they started poorly in the first half and kept the Raiders out but that was a much fresher Rooster's outfit they can't afford to give like a communication there they can't afford to give the Raiders outfit given that as I said the heat the fatigue that will set in too much more ball down this end of the field or the Raiders will capitalize back and the roosters will be once again in a much tougher arm wrestle because the Raiders will know they're gain some confidence from that at the moment they're playing without confidence the Raiders it's now what 87 minutes since they've scored a try 87 minutes since they've scored a point it's an enthusiastic defense there from the roosters I'm Trevor thurley tongue to Shillington 20 meters away from the goal line tongue campusi Leroy last straight and hard at Pierce who makes a good tackle with set him out aside Fitzgibbon was there as well [Applause] and Leroy glass plays it finally campes here at the back Mill tackle without the football and The Tackle count should restart and does because soliola got a hand to it I thought Milne was taken without it this is pickup surely we've got a break here eventually The Roosters although the Raiders have to really look like getting through them now they might just short of the line a meter away thurling will play here's John Leroy Lars has lost the football that's gone over the dead ball line it'll be a 20-minute restart it's a gassy effort by the by The Roosters the Raiders realize that and they're desperate to score points but the roosters refused to give in they're getting up off the line once again that's that's a good solid committed effort by SAR to jolt the ball free from Leroy Lars who's been probably the most damaging player the Raiders since he's been on the field but they'll continue to grow in confidence the roosters but they've just got to complete this hits and get some field position they haven't had much field position at all in the game [Applause] six seven really short of the halfway line it's given over the halfway mark and Tang is there to make the tackle with Joe pick up sixth interchange just being made by The Roosters as Nate miles goes back on his [Applause] 30 meters away from the Canberra line last tackle here for the roosters Pierce will put the ball into the air to the wing of Kearney Herbert is over there it's too deep is it dropped by Kenny Dow picked up here by Herbert in a turn defense into attack here the green machine this is where they're dangerous Herbert who can eat a link with he's away from a couple he links here with mill middle but they wrap him up no they can't it comes back to Monaghan Monahan spins away from one gets away from another and is finally taking it short of a halfway line that's the green machine move nine for the last couple of years Shillington offload Camp easy now the furling furling off roads into account it to break it down the touchline throws it back and picker as he lost it he has trying to drag it towards him he lost control of it [Applause] who has more of the uh the the green machine the Mean Machine from 2008 where they surged towards the semi-finals keeping the ball alive moving it around getting a second phase play happening but they just went one past too many and took the pressure off the roosters have a look at that 17 offloads a mere three from The Roosters in hot conditions offloads really does cause the opposition enormous problems but they still haven't capitalized on that vast number of offloads that they've had and there that shows that they've had plenty of field position in which to capitalize to the Raiders but they just haven't been able to get across the roosters line maybe they got too close to the line they scored a long line strikes can't remember the best in the competition Long Range maybe within 20 meters they just don't have enough room to work with that might be it for the roosters he's just worked his heart out today 31 tackles 12 hit ups and has been outstanding and he's been sprinting off the line in defense as well oh Emily into a half hole but it's been spinning off the line in defense looking to inspire the rest of the forwards here's Pierce last tackle kicking it's an awkward bounce it was locked down I think by Campisi forced back in an in goal area lucky he did knock it down too that's what the referee says because Santa Marta was there to steal it yeah as we saw up the other end when the Raiders almost scored these sort of kicks rolling on the ground difficult to predict unlike the ball in the ear when you know where it's going to come down those kicks very hard to try and anticipate and great kick there by watch out for Campisi here oh this is an ordinary one it's only gone 55 meters and asta's under it must be a bit of a breeze that Stuart Raper mentioned picking you up nice tackle there on Miles who plays it here's o'meally great tackle again fooling around the legs just chopped him down miles tongue around the legs again meters away from the line right inside of field now Pierce leads inside to a nasta goes out here to James here they've scored their second try their lead by eight that was well done well constructed well executed and with a kick to come they could extend it to 10. yeah superb play there by The Roosters one of their pep plays normally Anthony minicello as we saw in the first half is the player to run this play he's not on the field so they pick up Ben Jones great ball there Mitchell Pierce picks up Ben Jones Jones did extremely well too to time the pass to Sean Kenny Dell who had plenty of work to do because he still had defenders in front of him Kenny Dow Jones great timing with that pass gets inside two Defenders and he's got a great step and acceleration for Big Man Sean Kenny Dow and guys everyone scores the try so that's a huge boost to the roosters and they've been working away they've been working away they've targeted that right side Canberra defense as the as the the weakness and they've come up with the points well the Raiders now have dug themselves a very deep hole they certainly can score points but they haven't really looked like it today it's been a very unrators-like performance they they've not dominated the forward it clashes the forward exchanges like we traditionally see and that hasn't given them room to move out wide and Terry camp easy really has been caught with no room at all out there on the edges so if it's given with an opportunity to make it 10 the difference about 16 meters in from the Eastern touchline about 18 meters out has little trouble and making it a 10-point lead to the Sydney roosters down to the touchline Stuart arapah well you can usually tell when his team is up by the way that their enthusiasm in defense is and that's what it's been all day for the roosters they've been up in the faces of the Raiders players putting pressure on their kicks big hits down the middle and that enthusiasm is breeding and you can just tell on the bench up Troy was scored Willie Mason they're all up there's plenty of enthusiasm and it's a different term than what we saw against the rabbitohs last week Campisi with the restart well this will really test the metal now of the Canberra Raiders as miles Returns the football hits it out over the 20 here's Kenny Dowell who's been impressive in everything he's done today he's already had one try disallowed and defensively he's been very good as well it was more than a handful and oh what a huge hit Miller and merely Moody together in the middle of Canberra stadium and Josh Miller's come off the worst for where [Applause] Josh Miller still down behind plays and he's trying to get back into position and he's regrouped a little bit better than he was a couple of seconds ago as Milne does well to pick that rolling ball up and tries to run away you're gonna get tackled in goal as he know he gets away from an Esther somehow and anastas hurt himself by clashing into the goal post so now they're one down the roosters he really cannon into it Shillington he's up and limping Miller's back there going down everywhere he's the big hit bang and Miller's come off the worst for where as anastas come off the worst for where there that's why we have padding and that's why at Canberra I have the world's largest milk bottles on her B has dropped the football play that first of all that's why he dropped it money Palmer signaling the the bench the maybe and asked is in a bit of strife Ollie Mason's getting ready to come on Zoe's style hip area scanning into the the Gulp or the pad of the post and Mason was going to come on but he's been Spain [Applause] of course about crashing into goal posts at Seaford oval and in Canberra now Monahan ten minutes short of the whole flavors [Applause] 10-0 [Applause] and we know that Glenn buttress Troy Thompson are out of the game Josh Miller has just come from the field after that knock from Marco merely so he's obviously in some discomfort as well still and that's the seventh interchange as he comes off and Turner goes on so Canberra they have their problems aside from the fact that they're down by 10. turn up [Applause] it's here for Canberra will they put pressure on Jones now with a high kick surely they must know they're going to run it Herbert he puts a little chip over the top and Kenny Dallas under no pressure whatsoever [Music] touch he does in the end it's turned out to be a terrific kick Ben Jones must be breathing a sigh of relief every time they put the ball in the air well I thought they'd test him maybe on the ground being judged but Sean Kenny down he did well to take the football but came back towards the sideline I've got no idea why he did that because we all know how strong Joel Monahan is and he just mauls him over the touchline so they get another crack here now the Raiders 34 tackles inside the opposition 20. well they've got six more up their sleeve here The Roosters can they hold again tongue from the base of the scrum turns it inside to Monahan The Roosters are there waiting for him now five meters away from the goal line Herbert furling back on the angle away from O'Malley great tackle Nate miles right around the legs chopped him down Herbert Campisi Turner runs the decoy now here's Croaker out to Patel [Applause] [Music] and same parrot with great and once again they slid off and the Raiders run that ran themselves out of out of options really just lateral passes they've lacked the inside Runners they've lacked the angle Runners to straighten the play today the Raiders and that's obviously something Dave ferner is gonna have to work on hard during the week Craig fitzgibben finally having a spell here for the roosters and that's their eighth interchange so they've got two left and we've got 20 minutes of play remaining this is going to become a real war of attrition here for both sides as we get down to the final 10 minutes and if the Raiders can stay close the next Drive becomes critical doesn't it if the roosters lead by 16. you would think that they'd be able to hang on but 10 points in these conditions with the interchange running out and there's a flop from Shackleton surely the referee said no [Applause] Kim the Raiders fan shouldn't give up there's plenty of time for them even though they haven't really looked like scoring well there's plenty of time that the problem with with the Raiders is I'll be saying throughout the course of this game is when they've got down to attacking era they haven't had the options they haven't had their angle Runners just prepared to go laterally and they're not really challenging or put any any real questions to this Rooster's defense very slow to his feet there playing the ball Joe pick up now approaching 100 minutes since the Raiders have scored that ball was a mile forward from Trevor thurley said no that was further forward than the disallowed try for the roosters in the first half Herbert now Camp easy under pressure on the last tackle gets away from Mason straightens now links here the pass from Harrison to County steps away from the touchline keeps it locked to Herbert still the last tackle Herbert is keying for Monahan but back there to tidy at the roosters Captain break the nest and loses and it'll be a Canberra loose and feed and Esther's lost possession well the tackle was completed the referee called held and that's the reason why uh the ball was out of play so it'll be a knock-on fee to to the Raiders but that came out of nothing Campisi looked as though he was going to get shut down with the kick if it managed to find some space Herbert puts a well-weighted kick in and the Raiders almost come up with a try so and as to there the tackle's completed referee calls held and both fills that out the referee called home and Monahan thinks claims a try with tackle clearly completed once once the fire on the ground is a hand placed upon him that's the tackle and the camera right his fans here don't like it after watching the replay on the big screen but the referee is correct here but we're back to the play and can they score here Canberra broker Jared broker plays it 10 out from the line on debut now here's Turner across field looking for runners back to tongue he goes straight a tunnel Skipper can he sparked him he's only a meter away from the line Turner's at acting hard they've had their chances can brought by having been able to score Camp easy now to Herbert gets past Mason but can't you don't put away from the second line of defense that'd be Nate miles Campisi furling five meters away from the line [Applause] they go to the right short ball picker almost reaches out he's only half a ball length away from the goal line you'd think last tackle time Herbert long cutout ball Monaghan pushes away from Orbison it goes back to Harrison that's the last tackle he's lost at ball on the ground the roosters have come up with it well they've survived again it is over 40 tackles inside the opposition 20 for Canberra without a try it's now over 100 minutes without a try yeah and you can see them just lacking their confidence they're looking around virtually looking around now looking at who's going to create options because they just are moving the ball laterally and hoping that someone whoever's going to get the ball is going to make a break it's not we're going to work like that against this roosters outfit who are still Keen enthusiastic in defense and moving up quickly off the line last here for the roosters and they've got Dan to win about 35 of the camera line and Astor just kicking for the touch line to try and slow the clock down and give the boys as Mitchell Pierce claps the hand some time to regather regroup and both the nest is still being trouble I think by that collision with the upright as we head down to the touch lines Stuart with the introduction of two referees everyone thought was going to speed the play up and will result in more tries what could be further from the truth today it's a great defensive effort by this Rooster's outfit as we've said all day they've been enthusiastic and they're cutting down the options of both Campisi and Herbert and they're struggling with options when they get up to that try line [Applause] those sites taking the opportunity to have some Refreshments here and taking their time to get to the scrum and now Glenn buttress also is a blow to their creativity and around the Rocks I think that's going to stifle them or it is obviously stifling them in this second half as well another penalty to Canberra inside their own 20 to get them down the other end it's at about eight or nine through the penalty count become a bit of an issue if it wasn't already for the roosters I think they're just gifting the Raiders possession in field position luckily the defense is held out and the Raiders haven't been able to make them pay out but Pat sillington with a one-handed flick and Mitchell pierce with the interception and there's no need for that obviously they realize that the second phase options their their best option of cracking this Rooster's lineup because moving the ball wide is not coming up with any result the second phase is causing problems but they're just going a little bit overboard now trying to pop it at almost every opportunity Tom Lee Road Lars is back out for the Raiders that's their eighth interchange the roosters have an opportunity here you think to seal the game they lead by 10 o'meally if the Raiders can't hold here the roosters will pick up their first win pierce with a cross field kick Monahan is there that's over the touching goal line on the full 20-minute restart the idea was right Kenny Dowell is very good under the high ball Freddie fitler there be a lot more confident now given the fact that or the way that the roosters have plight continued on in this second half because traditionally the roosters have wilted at half time most and I'm I would say most of the games last year they fell away in that second half but here today the roosters have gone up another another level and really are putting the pressure putting the asset on the Raiders and Shackleton up very quickly there to put pressure on Turner under pressure as well Herbert now Harrison perhaps it there takani comes away from the touchline five meters short of the halfway line 14 and a half minutes to go not long before the clock starts to become an enemy for Canberra oh that camp easy long ball here to Croaker over the halfway line out of one tackle last here for Canberra what will their option be on this occasion Campisi kicking for the corner Jones nice bounce for him we're gonna try and force an error here the Raiders well there's nothing much that an attacking play there from campusi no there was nothing that much doing obviously playing for some field position uh and Ben and bandits once again easily ran it back in the field of play he's been solid as Kenny Dale makes a bust a lot of my halfway line he'll play now here's Orbison out of act the half he picks up 15 nearly 20 meters a little bit too easy here for the roosters couple of good back to back runs Pierce here's Willie Mason now at them Leroy Lars is there Tang got a handle at the tackle count will restart and Mitchell Pierce through it to Ronnie Palmer he thought it was a training drill there for a moment and now picked up by sedamatasar and pertel zero tackle says the referee miles burst through tongue but can't get away from Camp easy [Applause] [Music] Pierce now a Nestor and Nestor with the pass on the outside to Kenny Dowell away from touch Monahan there to wrap him up with Bronson Harrison and Astor looking for runners Pierce Mason inside tongue good tackle on the inside hi Shillington brings him to ground now here's Mitchell Pierce get me starting over scores that's the game surely now the roosters will get their first win of the Year 14 points to know with a kick to come and it was thoroughly deserved as well they've been the better side and they now extend the lead to 14. here they've kept the pressure on they've that this Raiders outfit they probe the left-hand side they work back to this near side and good combination here Orbison and Pierce Pierce sees a little bit of a gap on the inside the Raiders Defenders are very tired they've had to work without two interchange players Pierce cites a gap good strong right footstep and goes over that close to line no one's going to stop him but you've got to point out the fact that those Raiders outfit down a couple of interchange players uh and they've just really struggled to try and maintain the intensity with this Rooster's outfit that has been a lot hungry today than they were last week against South Sydney and and I think it's a just reward this leads are just reward for probably their effortless they're sustained enthusiasm through the course of this game [Applause] with no Craig if it's given on the field short Kenny Dow is the man with the job of trying to extend this lead to 16. and when they haven't scored a try the Canberra Raiders for 108 minutes you would think to score 16 and 12. will be Beyond them they're looking tired they're looking they're looking very flat indeed Kenny Dao does add the extra two and so the roosters lead by 16 points to nil down to the touchline steward arapa when you have a tough week like the roosters have had been under adversity you tend to gel you tend to get tight and that's what they've done the roosters you can see the spirit in everything they're doing the enthusiasm of the spirit has come from a very tough week of preparation and they've got the adjust rewards of that by uh by beating the Raiders today or we'll beat all beat the Raiders today is this going to go out on the fall now it lands just inside and tap back there by Monahans how the Raiders aren't done with yet maybe trailing by 16 and I'll throw it even more caution with the wind and this could be dangerous for the roosters if they score here maybe I've gone up a little bit too early Wayne Pierce's the ball is kept alive once again by Cameron there's a dangerous position the referee said no fine Willie Mason The Tackle there on Joe picker slowish played the ball 12 out from the line more tackles inside the 20 here for Canberra we're approaching 50 without a point here from Canberra 50 tackles inside the opposition 20. Leroy lies slip in defense was miles but the cover was there it was great from o'meally a leader out from the line pick up Campisi back to Herbert Herbert he's got no one to pass to so Herbert wraps around and the defense is strong again from the roosters last tackle here for Canberra Campisi puts the ball into the air too deep Jones has it covered 20 minute restart they're just not on today and Terry campes he's not on with these kicking games well he come up with a couple of good 40 20s but he's attacking kicking game uh he has left been left a bit to be desired today but the Raiders you talk about approaching 50 well actually just around about 50 tackles in the oppositions OR sorry in the roosters 20 meter Zone they've also gone the best part of our what's that 110 minutes now without scoring a point back end 40 minutes last week 70 minutes again today so they've really really struggled to just get over the opposition line struggle for creativity in my opinion Jones plays it he's solid 30 meters away and a chance of going in here again The Roosters as Pierce puts the ball high in the air Connie's taking his eyes off it it's bounced it's in trouble foreign [Applause] he's confident for Justin Khan he didn't want to play the football and he may have played the off ultimate price yeah it was a great kick because it's over into uh Justin Carney's eyes is the sun the sun's look beating down straight into Justin kearney's eye so it looked as though he lost the football in the sun oh they're on side not a problem with that plenty of elevation great kick there for Mitchell Pierce but the Chase from Sean Kenny Dow putting pressure on break to Nash tattoo have a look at I tell you what if he's got that down that's a remarkable effort he snuck around the back of Justin Carney and does he get it down before the in goal why that's a try that is a remarkable effort we've seen some great athleticism from players over the past couple of years Greg Inglis in particular but that's a remarkable effort is his knee in I think from the other angle it looked as though his body was in and talked about separation now his hands on it there his hand that's a try yeah I got no problem with that I think that is a try and that is an absolutely remarkable effort from breaker nasta and the fact that at this such a late stage of the game to chase through so hard put himself in a mission to contest great tick there it is the try to break that has to remind try as well and it sums up I think both teams fortunes today well look the enthusiasm that Griffin has to showed in chasing that so late on a very very hot day is typical of the performance of The Roosters today they've been Keen they've been enthusiastic uh and they've out enthused the Raiders Connie said where did you come from you had no right to score that but he got around him somehow contorted his body never gave up on The Chase and managed to control a football that was a superb effort superb effort all round remarkable stuff from the captain break the nasta it is now 20 points to nil and here's a remarkable stat from Malcolm in the Middle to now statistician Wayne Pierce can bro who entered the competition in 1981 has never ever ever been held scoreless here in Canberra well it's even through the club [Applause] they haven't scored a try and games when you consider how poorly The Roosters played last week and how potent canberra's attack is today it's not as if they weren't without their chances 45 tackles in the opposition 20. here's Fitzgibbon from touch to add a little bit of salt into the wounds from Craig Fitzgibbon who has been outstanding today for the roosters 22 points to nil what a turnaround from the Sydney roosters who were absolutely thumped last week 52-12 by the rabbitohs and we should point out that the the roosters have traditionally struggled to win down here they haven't won down here in Canberra since 2004 yet they managed to turn their their week around after that disastrous performance last week and come up with what has been a truly gritty and gutsy performance today technically probably left a bit to be desired they've come up with quite a few a few errors with the football but uh given Anthony minicello was was taken from the field uh early on in this game or relatively early on in this match and Ben Jones has gone there back there for a fill in uh they've still been fairly creative I don't think they're done with yet either the roosters we still have six minutes of play remaining and we approach 120 Minutes since the Raiders have scored a point [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Master at acting half here's Willie Mason now please will he be a with the win but B to get back and get through this game well to get through this game with his with his input in such hot conditions has been a superb effort he's Kenny down the ball went forward says the referee so that'll be a changeover and they're playing with a lot more confidence the roosters and why wouldn't they 22 to nil [Applause] yeah it's been they've done I know that they've done a lot of soul searching through the week uh they've confronted some pretty tough questions about their style of playing each other and it's all com the efforts come to fruition here today with a a solid 80 minute effort and you've got to point out it has been an 80 minute sustained effort to keep the Raiders scoreless down here is a superb effort great hit there Willie Mason he's still pumped Leroy Lars the man who really for the Raiders today is the only player that has looked threatening and there's an innocent for a nasta he'll race away and get a double we're going to lead by 26 and the turnaround from The Roosters continues and the captain scores again the exclamation point for the roosters 26-0 with a kick to come it's been awful for Canberra but it's all Sunshine for the roosters yeah the Raiders have been through the course of this match trying to go actually trying to get around the outside of the of the Roosters on this occasion Herbert throws one uh they had plenty of numbers out there the Raiders but brethonaster anticipated beautifully he was up in the line it wasn't on they haven't as I said they've been trying to go laterally until virtually that's been their default play here today they haven't had the inside Runners they haven't had the angle Runners and Bryce just plucked it out of the air and ran unopposed to the trial line [Applause] criticism as have most of the roosters over the past week but he's really stepped back and bounced back to his best here today brother nasta is he's uh been leading in the enthusiasm Stakes and as a good Skipper should do it's trying his last four games against Canberra for braith and Esther he doesn't mind playing the Raiders he's got 10 and 11. against the Raiders it has been some terrific performances from The Roosters right across the park it's Gibbon 34 tackles and 14 hit ups and miles 15 hit ups for Nate miles I know merely 14 hit-ups Craig Fitzgibbon two from three today is to make it three from four it's four nil at half time 26 to nil three minutes to go and they've got some injury concerns too the Canberra Raiders Floyd Thompson with a knee Brent buttress hasn't played the second half after he was injured in the first he's on crutches is now the conversion attempt from Fitzgibbon is terrific again 28 to nil number one dark spot today for the roosters has been the injury to Anthony minicello serious looking ankle injury in the first half but it makes this win all the more attractive when you look at the fact that they lost minicello and and minicello is their number one Strike player they lost him in that first half with that ankle injury that Ben Jones has stepped up to the market fullback done a wonderful job and the forwards in particular have later a superb foundation for this roosters effort here today and and the roosters last week through their forwards based on their poor forward performance were as we know were terrible 20 out from Their Own Line well next week Raiders are away to Parramatta um Super Saturday while the roosters are at home to the West tigers next Friday night towards the halfway line still going still going still going finally tackled about eight meters into Raiders territory if it's given short ball to pierce couldn't handle it I don't think the other side will be that desperate to get the scrum so the Raiders none from two the start season 2009 [Applause] well the concerning thing and I made a couple of mentions of this through the core was the fact that they didn't score in the second half against the Tigers either so virtually gone a game and a half without scoring a point and what that makes makes that appear even worse is the amount of opportunities they've had to score points in this match via the field position that they had deep down in the rooster's territory three minutes into the game Adrian pertel 10 out from the line with no one in front of him drop the ball cold the pass he could have should have taken from Terry Campisi and since then they haven't looked like it I don't deserves to win today but you sometimes wonder little things like that if Cambridge scored from that three minutes into the game it's a whole different game what it does it actually gives you a big boost mentally here's and destroy the afternoon can they get their first try in two hours they play the ball 10 out from the line not at this stage time is running out there's only 15 seconds to go they've never been held to zero in Canberra the Canberra Raiders and that record is going to be maintained because Harrison scores with six seconds remaining just under two hours since they last scored a point and camera just just miss out on million barrels to nil for the first time ever in Canberra it was it was off the back of a wonderful Break by Adrian purtell on their left-hand side attack I thought that Joe Ben Jones did well a fullback to shut it down then something issuing break in play The Roosters were just short on numbers bad that the numbers out there the Raiders on the right hand side the roosters were still regrouping there were too many players defensive players in around The Ruck after the break had been made and in the end Bronson Harrison who sits on that right hand side side waiting for opportunities comes up with the try virtually on the stroke of full time [Applause] [Music] first try in Canberra colors for Bronson Harrison and that's one positive for them they haven't become the first ever Canberra side to be pointless in Canberra and it's been two hours since they scored the last point something to work on from there 4-2 next week against the tides as Camp easy try and make it 28-6 but it's been a comprehensive performance by The Roosters a remarkable turnaround Campisi has hooked that one misses just to the left and so full time here at Canberra Stadium they were thumped 52-12 last week by South Sydney and the roosters have hit back with a comprehensive 28-4 win over the Canberra Raiders