The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders have made a remarkable comeback to defeat the Manly Sea Eagles 26-24 at 4 Pines Park on Friday night.
Trailing by 20 points in the second half, the Raiders scored four straight tries to topple the Sea Eagles in the dying stages.
It was a back-and-forth contest between both teams in the first half.
Eight minutes in, Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic broke the defensive line planting the ball over the line. A successful conversion by centre Rueben Garrick ensured a scoreline of 6-0.
The Raiders second rower Elliot Whitehead showcased his efforts attempting to reach the tryline with a set restart but he was unable to plant the ball down.
The Sea Eagles skipped away, with Manly players Tommy Talau and Daly Cherry Evan both crossing the scoreline to extend the home side's lead.
With tensions rising, fullback Tom Trbojevic proved too strong, making a break with a try assist to fellow player Reuben Garrick.
The Raiders were committed to bounce back. Thirty minutes in, with an intercept by Captain Elliott Whitehead, following on with a flick pass to halfback Kaeo Weekes, secured points on the board.
As halftime approached, the Raiders built off this momentum, heading into the sheds looking to come back in the second half.
The Raiders were eager to rally. As time ticked away, twelve minutes in, Elliott Whitehead crossed the tryline bringing the score to 24-12.
Shortly after, Elliot Whitehead bursted over with passion, scoring back-to-back tries to close the gap to a six-point difference.
A well-placed chip from halfback Kaeo Weekes found Nick Cotric, who tip-toed up the sideline to score and close the gap to 24-22 with ten minutes to go.
A dominating comeback, as three minutes remained on the clock Hudson Young sped through to ground the ball from a Ethan Strange grubber and steal the game.
The Raiders closed out the final minutes with some tough defense to claim the big victory on the road.
The Raider will look to rest and recuperate after this nailbiter victory with a bye next round.
