The Canberra Raiders have pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in recent NRL history, erasing a 20-point deficit to march to victory over a strong Manly Sea Eagles side.
Coming into the game without their inspirational halfback Jamal Fogarty, the Raiders were given little to no chance against the high-flying Sea Eagles. As the hosts ran out to a 20-0 lead by the half hour mark, Canberra was lucky to get into the break with one try.
However, it was a tale of two halves as the Green Machine stormed home with four tries in 24 minutes to secure the improbable victory.
Speaking after his side’s valiant effort, coach Ricky Stuart admitted the Raiders' dismal showing last week was an outlier and this week’s performance was more like the ‘Raiders DNA’.
“That’s the Raiders’ DNA,” he said.
“How we performed last week wasn’t us, we had a choice this week to show what our real DNA is and that was one hell of a win.
“It’s very easy to be positive now... (but) ask people what we spoke about in the change rooms at half time, there was no way we were out of that game.
“When I walked out of that shed at half time I knew we were still a chance to be in this game at the back end.
“I thought so much went against us in the first half and when I explained that to the players, I think I drew a picture that said, ‘If you guys have the same application in regards to your effort and energy in the second half as you did in the first half will be in this in the back end of the game’.”
The Raiders have moved back into the top eight, whilst the Sea Eagles are in danger of being leapfrogged by the Dolphins if they can get past the Cowboys on Saturday night.