The game which was the danger game for the Tigers proved to be a fair assessment.

After losing Darren Senter with a broken hand, the captaincy was given to centre Terry Hill to continue the Tigers undefeated start to the season. The Raiders started the most enthusiastic of the two teams, and scored after a few minutes through Ruben Wiki. The Tigers struck back with a try from Matt Seers to level the scores back at 4 all.

Mark McLinden sliced through the defence about 5 mins later to score out wide, which was converted and the Raiders were up again 10 - 4. Slack discipline from the Tigers saw the Raiders land 2 penalty goals and a field goal right on half time to lead 15 - 4. Terry Hill was also stretchered off in pain in the 1st half as he snapped his groin muscle and was screaming in agony. He will have an operation which will see him out for 6 weeks.

The second half saw a more committed Tigers outfit, yet seemed to lack that game breaker. With Senter, Hill and McGuinness sidelined, the Tigers didnt have anyone who could win the game for them. With a try from Bajouri with 9mins to play, the Tigers could smell another victory coming. Yet, with a few minutes of play remaining, Bajouri made a break down the wing, yet had a major brain explosion as he kicked ahead! Then with 90secs left on the clock, Hasan Saleh made a break down the other wing, yet when was tackled the ball was lost. The Raiders held on.

 

Scoring Details

Canberra Raiders 15 (Wiki, McLinden tries; Schifcofske 3 goals, 1 field goal)

def

Wests Tigers 10 (Seers, Bajouri tries; Caine 1 goal) at Stadium Australia

Crowd: 37,183

 

Match Report