AUSTIN LIGHTS UP CHILLY NIGHT
It was the Blake Austin show as the Canberra Raiders five-eighth continued his electric form, crossing for a hat-trick of tries in the opening 15 minutes. Austin was at his brilliant best to put the Raiders on the front foot. The former Wests Tigers utility has arguably been the buy of the season and it's easy to see why the Raiders are keen to extend his contract beyond the end of next season. Austin will also be in the mind of NSW coach Laurie Daley as a possible contender for an Origin debut in next year's series. He has the attacking impact and kicking game which the Blues could turn to as they attempt to win back the shield.
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DEFENSIVE PLAYS KEY FOR RAIDERS
As important as the brilliant play of Blake Austin was the desperate defence the Raiders put on display. Knights winger James McManus was all but set to cross the tryline when Raiders fullback Jack Wighton pulled him down with a great one-on-one tackle. Jarrod Croker and Edrick Lee — sometimes suspect with their edge defence — showed strength to push Queensland Origin representative Dane Gagai over the sideline. The Raiders conceded a couple of tries late in the second half, but by then the game was well and truly in the bag. Ricky Stuart would be thrilled with his side's desperate defence as it looks to make a push towards the top eight.
PAPALII CARRIES ORIGIN MOMENTUM
He started the season out of shape, but Raiders second-rower Josh Papalii is loving life back on the edge with another powerhouse performance. Papalii built on his impact role in Wednesday night's State of Origin victory with a couple of tries for the Raiders. Halfback Sam Williams set up both of Papalii's tries, throwing a great pass for his first before putting a grubber kick in for his second. Papalii is one of the most damaging attacking weapons when he's firing, using his frame to get across the advantage line. He showed no fatigue from backing up from Origin just 48 hours earlier.
COLD NIGHT KEEPS FANS AWAY
The only downside about the Raiders' impressive victory was the fact it was played in front of the third lowest crowd for an NRL game at Canberra Stadium. Just 6015 diehard fans were on the hand to see the Raiders play some great attacking rugby league. There were a couple of factors. The five-degree temperature at kick-off didn't help, the Knights had lost 10 of their past 11 games and the match was also shown live on free-to-air TV on Channel Nine. It was also the first Friday night game at Canberra Stadium since 2012. It's great exposure for the Raiders' sponsors, but the late kick-off at 7.53pm in the middle of winter doesn't help get fans through the gates.
HOME SWEET HOME ... FINALLY
The Raiders will be elated to have given their supporters something to cheer about after having one of the worst home records in the NRL. The Raiders have now won two of their eight games at Canberra Stadium this year. It was their first victory in the ACT since they thrashed the Titans 56-16 back in May. The Raiders will be aiming to build on their home momentum when they host the Cronulla Sharks next Saturday. The Raiders are two points outside the top eight with a 7-9 win-loss record with eight games remaining.
