The Canberra Raiders have recorded a massive upset to keep their slim finals hopes alive, defeating the Penrith Panthers 22-18 at GIO Stadium in captain Elliot Whitehead’s final home game.
With nine minutes left, down by two points and defending their own try-line, Raiders centre Matt Timoko intercepted a Jarome Luai pass and handed it to Xavier Savage to sprint the length of the field.
The GIO Stadium faithful could scarcely believe this was the same Canberra side that capitulated so meekly in their 42-4 loss to North Queensland last time out.
With their unlikely victory over the triple-reigning premiers, the Raiders pulled level on points with Brisbane and the Dolphins (26) and two short of St George Illawarra in eighth place on the ladder.
After Canberra coach Ricky Stuart slammed his players for being “spoilt” the week prior, Savage played like he had a point to prove.
As winds swirled above, Jamal Fogarty tormented Brian To'o with his howitzer of a right boot.
The Panthers winger just managed to hang onto Fogarty's first two volleys but on his third effort Savage snatched a high ball above To'o, who misjudged the flight of the bomb and leaped too late.
Savage spun away and sped past Casey McLean before reaching out a long right arm to plant the ball in the corner.
Slow starts have become an unhealthy habit for Penrith, conceding first points for the fourth game in a row.
But they hit back through hooker Luke Sommerton and Daine Laurie either side of a Kaeo Weekes four-pointer for the hosts, to go into the interval with a 12-10 lead.
After James Fisher-Harris crashed over in the second half it looked like the Panthers would show their class and hold on.
But a try to winger Albert Hopoate and Savage's runaway four-pointer sealed a memorable upset for the Green Machine.
Penrith never looked fluent without Cleary, who has been ruled out of the rest of the home-and-away season with a shoulder injury.
Stand-in halfback Brad Schneider never looked fully at ease and left the bulk of the playmaking to halves partner Jarome Luai.
Prop Joe Tapine was a standout for the Raiders, running for 129 metres with the ball and creating two line-break assists with his dangerous offloads.
With their second straight loss, the Panthers risk dropping out of the top four with Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters nipping at their heels.
Raiders Stun Panthers in Upset Win
The Raiders' victory was a true testament to their resilience and determination. Despite struggling for much of the game, they never gave up hope and were ultimately rewarded for their efforts. The win has given them a much-needed boost and has kept their slim finals hopes alive.
Savage Stars in Comeback Win
Xavier Savage was the hero of the hour for the Raiders, scoring two tries including the game-winner in the 71st minute. His performance was crucial to the Raiders' victory, and it was a sign of his growth and development as a player.
Panthers Struggle Without Cleary
The Panthers were missing their star halfback Nathan Cleary, who is ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. His absence was clearly felt, as the Panthers struggled to create opportunities and looked disjointed in attack. They will need to find a way to cope without Cleary if they want to make a serious run at the premiership.
A Look Ahead
The Raiders will be hoping to build on their upset victory over the Panthers as they head into the final few weeks of the regular season. They will need to maintain their current form if they want to sneak into the finals. The Panthers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to regain their winning form if they want to remain in contention for a top-four spot.
The NRL season is reaching its climax, and the race for the premiership is heating up. This weekend's games will be crucial for the teams involved, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
