The Canberra Raiders have suffered a 40-nil loss to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at home this ANZAC Round.
The energy at GIO Stadium Canberra was high this Sunday afternoon to celebrate coach Ricky Stuart’s 500th, alongside the debut for Kaeo Weekes as he became Raider #397.
But the Sharks proved too strong in both attack and defence, holding the Raiders to zero while piling on seven tries.
Both sides came onto the field with determination, as both defensive lines held strong with neither making the break for the first twelve minutes of play.
The Raiders struggled to hold onto this strength, as Sharks captain Cameron McInnes was the first to cross the line 13 minutes into the game.
The Sharks built off of this momentum, with back-to-back tries scored shortly after from prop Thomas Hazelton and winger Sione Katoa. With all tries converted by Nicholas Hynes, the score went into half time 18-0.
The Raiders were desperate to bounce back in the second half and came back onto the field with high energy.
Within three minutes Ethan Strange made a line break and looked dangerous but he was unable to plant the ball.
Sharks were quick to bring the ball back into their side, allowing forward Briton Nikora to score the Sharks fourth try of the day.
A successful 40-20 kick from the Sharks lead into a try from Hynes, followed shortly after by a try from Katoa. Both crossed the line for their second time today. Hynes added the extras to all, bringing the score to 36- 0 with 17 minutes to go.
The game continued to be a tough watch for Canberra, riddled with errors and missed opportunities.
With six minutes to go, Sharks centre Jesse Ramien scored the final try of the game. Hynes missed the conversion, bringing the final score to 40-0.
The Raiders will be looking to redeem themselves next week as they face the Manly Sea Eagles next Friday evening at 4 Pines Park, Sydney.
