Game Summary
Canberra Raiders produced a determined second half performance to defeat the Melbourne Storm 36-26 in Round 16 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Storm had led 16-10 at half-time, but the Raiders outscored the home side five tries to two after the break to claim a hard-fought 10-point victory.
The Raiders struck first inside three minutes through Regan Carr, after halfback Coby Black carved through the Melbourne defence on an unders line and found Ethan Alaia, who delivered the final pass.
Melbourne fired back through replacement forward Angus Hinchy, who crossed on 14 minutes after a slick sequence of play down the left edge. Halfback Hayden Watson was the architect, finding Hinchy in space to help level the scores at 6-all.
Storm fullback Amaziah Murgha then scored to claim the lead, cruising through a gaping hole in the Canberra defensive line after the Raiders were caught out of position. Josh Durkin converted as Melbourne surged to a 12-4 advantage.
The Raiders hit back and reduced the deficit through a try by winger Michael Asomua, before Liam Williams crossed in the corner for the home side just before half-time giving Melbourne a 16-10 lead at the break.
The Raiders came out firing after the interval. Black produced a scintillating solo effort within four minutes, slicing through the Melbourne defence to score and reduce the margin to two. Moments later, fullback Chevy Stewart added another to put Canberra in front at 20-16 - two quick tries flipping the contest on its head.
Melbourne steadied through a try to Jak Goulding to level at 20-all before Canberra again surged ahead. Mark Tuilalii scored on the short side following clever work by Black and Stewart, then Kain Anderson produced the play of the match stealing a high ball and releasing Sione Finau to score and push Canberra out to a 30-22 lead.
A second try for Anderson put the result beyond doubt, before Murgha's second for Melbourne added a touch of respectability to the final score.
Talking Points
Coby Black was the dominant player on the field with his fingerprints all over the Raiders' best moments. His solo try in the second half, 40/20 kick in the first, and his constant involvement in Canberra's attacking sets made him virtually unplayable at times.
Chevy Stewart's second-half redemption helped turn the game in Canberra' favour. After an error from a high ball in the first half, the Raiders fullback scored a crucial try in the second half and consistently provided excellent kick returns.
Key Moment
Kain Anderson's try in the second half was the moment that sealed the win for Canberra. With the Raiders holding a slim lead, Anderson leapt to take a high kick by Black and found Sione Finau to score. The try extended Canberra's lead to eight points and effectively ended Melbourne's chances of mounting a comeback.
What's Next?
The Raiders return to GIO Stadium for Round 17, where they host the Warriors on Sunday morning. Meanwhile the Storm face a trip to Scully Park in Tamworth for the NSWRL Magic Round, where they take on the North Sydney Bears.
