Raiders fight off Panthers to set up NRL grand final eliminator against Storm
Monday 19 September 2016 14:01, UK
Canberra Raiders fought off a late charge to down the Penrith Panthers 22-12 on Saturday and book a National Rugby League grand final eliminator with Melbourne Storm next week.
The Raiders romped to an 18-0 lead after converted tries to Blake Austin, Jarrod Croker and Jordan Rapana, but the Panthers stepped up the tempo and charged back with two quick converted tries to trail 18-12 with 10 minutes left.
The Canberra regrouped and the league's leading points scorer Croker kicked two late penalty goals to clinch victory.
Winger Rapana claimed a club record-equalling 22nd try of the season for the Raiders. Rapana scored a crucial first-half try to join club legends Noa Nadruku, Jason Croker and Brett Mullins for most tries in a season.
The result sets up a showdown with premiership favourites Melbourne next Saturday and it will be Canberra's first preliminary final appearance in 21 years.
"We knew the second half they were going to chance their hand," Raiders stand-off Blake Austin said.
"That's the kind of side they are. We knew we had to hang in when the going got tough."
Defending champions North Queensland Cowboys will take on the Cronulla Sharks in the other preliminary final in Sydney on Friday.
