Canberra Raiders reached the NRL Grand Final for the first time with a battling 16-10 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs at a raucous GIO Stadium on Friday.
Three-time Australian champions Canberra had not previously been to the season decider in the NRL era but finally booked their spot with a hard-fought home victory.
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The Raiders upset Melbourne Storm to set up a preliminary final in front of a record crowd and they twice nudged in front to give the Rabbitohs too much to do.
Coach Ricky Stuart returns to the Grand Final 15 years on from his last appearance with Sydney Roosters, who could yet join their former coach.
25 YEARS IN THE MAKING!#NRLRaidersSouths#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/c3fdqGk9Dt
— NRL (@NRL) September 27, 2019
Souths saw apparent tries struck off at either end of a lively first half, but the Raiders controlled proceedings for a period after a fortunate 15th-minute breakthrough.
Corey Allan was tackled by Josh Hodgson when attempting to carry a grubber kick out of the in-goal area, allowing Jarrod Croker to touch down the loose ball.
Dane Gagai thundered over in the corner for a Rabbitohs try and the scores were level at the break.
Canberra led again early in the second half, though, through another unorthodox try. Jack Wighton dropped the ball onto his right boot, negating the knock-on and wrongfooting the nearby Souths players to dive over in the corner.
The Raiders came under intense pressure thereafter and were forced to play the majority of the last 10 minutes a man down following Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's professional foul on the counter-attacking Adam Reynolds.
But the Rabbitohs could not capitalise and Josh Papalii – who was placed on report after a high tackle on Adam Doueihi – all but secured his side's Grand Final place with a stunning solo run at the other end.
OUSHAAAA, YOU'VE GOTTA LOVE YOUR FOOTY!#NRLRaidersSouths#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/PJ1se2kLDL
— NRL (@NRL) September 27, 2019
There was still time for Campbell Graham to stroll through and reignite the Rabbitohs' hopes with a minute remaining, yet they were unable to get another score with their final play and fell short.
