The Raiders were the dominant force throughout the match and probably deserved to win the encounter, but the Broncos were never going to give in and ultimately had too much class.

Canberra tried their best in the final minutes but Brisbane’s defence remained brutal.

An uncharacteristic mistake from Lote Tuqiri in just the second minute of the game put Canberra in a great attacking position, and ultimately saw Brett Finch cross after a Mark McLinden grubber.

Clinton Schifcofske landed the conversion from close to the posts to put Canberra in front 6-0.

Brisbane hit back just minutes later, Phillip Lee crossing out wide with absolute ease after Allan Langer had sold a dummy to several Raiders defenders.

But in a game where defence appeared virtually non-existent, the Raiders extended their 6-4 lead by a further try when winger Michael Robertson scored in the corner after a great break down the left side of the field.

The Raiders continued to mount pressure on the Broncos defensive line and with fourteen minutes left in the first half scored a terrific try through Ruben Wiki, created after Michael Robertson somehow kept the ball in the field of play despite the attention of several Broncos defenders.

Clinton Schifcofske missed the conversion attempt, leaving the Broncos trailing 14-4.

Brisbane desperately needed to score before half-time and Gorden Tallis was the man to provide it, crashing over under the posts to bring Brisbane back within four points at half-time.

The Raiders extended their lead through a Clinton Schifcofske penalty goal with twenty-one minutes remaining in the match, the score at 16-10.

With thirteen minutes remaining, Clinton Schifcofske shaped to kick a field goal, but then kept the ball alive, and the Raiders very nearly found themselves over the line, but the Broncos defence was up to the task, ensuring a thrilling finish to the game.

Four minutes later, with time quickly running out, 35 year-old Allan Langer produced some dynamic skill to score next to the posts, putting the Broncos within two.

Michael Devere landed the conversion to level the scores at 16-all.

The Broncos received a penalty, just their third for the night, with five minutes remaining and skipper Gorden Tallis immediately told Michael Devere to line-up the penalty goal attempt.

Devere’s attempt was a success and for the first time in the game the Broncos were in front, 18-16, with just three minutes to go.

Canberra tried their best to fight back, but it was never going to happen, the Broncos winning the clash by two.