AUSTIN POWERS AHEAD

It may be a coincidence, but Blake Austin's form has also been red-hot since the arrival of Williams. While Williams takes control of the team's attack, it leaves Austin to play to his strengths - running. Austin scored two tries, the first from a David Campese-like goosestep and the second from one pass off the ruck. Combining with last weekend's hat-trick for City, Austin has five tries in two matches. His defence has also lifted a notch, making another try-saver yesterday on a runaway Josh Hoffman. Origin bolter? NSW must give him serious thought.

PAPALII BACK WHERE HE BELONGS

He started the season at prop, but Josh Papalii is in his best position again in the back-row and causing havoc on the edge. Papalii scored an opportune try from a kick. But most impressive was his first half charge in the first half for Jordan Rapana's try, pulling through three defenders before a magic backhand flick pass. Papalii started the season out of shape and it's understandable the Raiders experimented with him at prop, given they could use him in shorter 20 minute bursts. But the Raiders are now well stocked for props, with Paul Vaughan, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala and Shannon Boyd leading the way.

YOU DON'T NEED TO PUNCH

There may be a no-punch policy in the NRL now, but it didn't stop the niggle in this game and Titans forward Ryan James was generally in the thick of it. He had a running battle with Raiders props Boyd and Nu'uausala, with James and Nu'uausala at one stage rubbing foreheads and staring each other down. James was also lucky not to be sin-binned for a late shoulder charge on a supporting Austin in the lead-up to Jarrod Croker's first try. Raiders winger Edrick Lee also had a run-in with James Roberts. Canberra's lanky winger started the season flat, but he's got his mojo back since ditching his flat-top hairstyle.

BY THE NUMBERS

Given the size of the win, it's tough to believe the Raiders hadn't tasted victory at Canberra Stadium this season from their three previous starts. Canberra's 10 tries against the Titans was the most the Raiders had scored since their 56-0 win against the Brisbane Broncos iin 2009. Captain Jarrod Croker scored two tries and 24 points. The only disappointing number was the 8,116 in the crowd to see it unfold.