Monaghan scored two tries and had a hand in the Raiders' three others, as they recorded a nailbiting 26-16 win over the Melbourne Storm.

The five-tries-to-three win snapped a seven-year, 14-game losing streak against the Storm and kept the Raiders' slim finals hopes alive.

Inspired by the unveiling of club legend Mal Meninga's statue, the Raiders streaked to a 20-4 lead, thanks some near flawless play in the opening 50 minutes.

They then held out the fast-finishing Storm, which narrowed the gap to four with 15 minutes left.

Back-rower Bronson Harrison scored with just seconds left on the clock, prompting wild celebrations on the field and in the stands.

''It's been a long time between drinks,'' Monaghan said. ''It was probably one of the best wins I've been involved with at the club.''

Heading into yesterday's game Monaghan was under pressure to keep his spot in the NSW side for Origin III next month.

But his masterful performance in front of Storm and NSW coach Craig Bellamy would have boosted his chances, after he played all over Queensland superstar Greg Inglis.

The Raiders' three other NSW candidates also put on a show for Bellamy.

Captain Alan Tongue was a constant nuisance in attack, five-eighth Terry Campese was a rock in defence and back-rower Tom Learoyd-Lahrs made several bruising charges with the ball.

Prop David Shillington also did his Origin hopes no harm, turning in a solid performance in front of Queensland coach Meninga, who is searching for a replacement for injured front-rower Ben Hannant.

More Raiders news in today's Canberra Times