The Canberra Raiders have gone down 22-18 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday night.
It was both a monumental and special round for the Raiders as Josh Papalii celebrated his 300th Raiders game.
The Bulldogs were the first team on the scoreboard in the 16th minute, with captain Stephen Crichton grounding the ball to secure a 4-0 lead.
The Raiders were quick to fight back, Tom Starling’s sharp pass to Trey Mooney saw him charge through to score, taking a 6-4 lead.
A penalty goal to the Bulldogs in the 27th minute saw the game levelled up at 6-all.
A tightly-fought first half, the Raiders headed into the sheds at half-time looking to come out firing in the second half.
It was the Bulldogs who took advantage down the right-hand short-side in the 45th minute, a chip and chase from Crichton led to his second try, reclaiming the lead 10-6.
A set play from the scrum saw Bronson Xerri pass to Josh Addo-Carr in the 52nd minute, utilising his speed down the sideline to give his side a 10-point lead, 16-6.
The Raiders quickly hit back, a perfect kick from Jamal Fogarty saw Matthew Timoko score with ease, closing the gap to four points, 16-12.
A Matt Burton bomb collected by Crichton saw Addo-Carr score his second try of the match, taking another 10-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
The Raiders weren't done yet, with Jordan Rapana crossing in the corner, closing the gap to four points, 22-18 with eight minutes to go.
The Raiders were unable to come up with any more points in the final minutes, going down by four points.
The Raiders will look to bounce back next weekend with a home game against Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.
