The Canberra Raiders suffered a 44-16 defeat to the Sydney Roosters at home in Indigenous Round.
The Raiders returned home to GIO Stadium, Canberra for the match against the Roosters in Joseph Tapine's 200th NRL game.
Roosters second-rower Victor Radley was quick to secure first points, with the away side taking an early 6-0 lead.
With plenty of opportunity to attack early, Luke Keary crossed the line soon after, confirmed as a Penalty try to extend their lead to 12-0.
The Raiders were able to bounce back minutes after, with winger Nick Cotric successfully planting the ball over the try-line. The Raiders reduced their deficit to 12-6.
The game produced a continuous back and forth contest between both teams. The Roosters built on earlier momentum with centre Joseph Manu next to score with minutes remaining in the first half.
The Raiders head into the sheds trailing by 12 points, 18-6.
In the first minute of the second half, Roosters fullback James Tedesco scored with a successful conversion from Joseph Sua'ali'i, giving them a 24-6 lead.
With momentum building, Raiders second-rower Hudson Young successfully broke through the defensive line to score, giving the Raiders a much-needed try.
The Roosters answered through centre Joseph Manu, using his agility to plant the ball over the line.
Sua'ali'i was next on the scoreboard, and with 20 minutes left on the clock, the away side took a strong 34-10 lead.
The Raiders struggled to hold on in defence with Roosters second-rower Angus Crighton crossing the line after a strong Manu line-break.
A positive sight for the Raiders fans in the 72nd minute, with halfback Kaeo Weekes using his speed to get around the Roosters' defence to score.
With less than a minute to go, Roosters fullback James Tedesco scored the final try of the game, extending the lead to 44-16 on fulltime.
The Raiders will look to bounce back coming up against the Dolphins next Saturday at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe.
