Raiders score big comeback victory over Dragons

Celebrating an incredible milestone, Raiders co-captain Zahara Temara was the first NRLW player to reach 40 games and has celebrated in-style with an incredible win.

Without star forward Simaima Taufa, along with regulars Mackenzie Wiki, Sereana Naitokatoka and Hollie-Mae Dodd, the Raiders were forced to step up in a must-win match.

Canberra came out firing as halfback Ash Quinlan threw a well-executed long ball to Madison Bartlett on the wing to score, establishing a 4-0 scoreline.

It was not long after that Raiders forward Grace Kemp used her strength to score a four pointer, creating an 8-0 lead for Canberra.

Sixteen minutes on the clock, Dragons leading try scorer Teagan Berry used her skillset on the left-hand side of the field to score, closing the gap to 10-4.

The Raiders were quick to capitalize on the Dragons defensive errors as winger Shakiah Tungai dove over on the wing, extending to a 16-4 lead.

A high kick from Racene McGregor saw Shenai Lendill utilising her speed to catch and score.

An executed play from dummy half saw Dragons forward Alexis Tauaneai crash over the tryline, heading to sheds for halftime level at 16-all.

Kerehitina Matua was pinned for a dangerous tackle, resulting in a sin bin just after halftime.

Canberra was unable to hold off the Dragons attack, a quick pass from dummy-half led McGregor to score under the posts, gaining a 22-16 lead for her side. 

Dragons young gun Kasey Reh followed with momentum, utilising her quick feet to score a four pointer on the wing, extending to a 28-16 lead.

Raiders halves linked up in the middle of the field, Temara finding Quinlan with a beautiful pass to score under the sticks and hit back with 15 minutes to go.

Canberra took advantage of the Dragons defensive errors which saw prop Grace Kemp beat multiple defenders to claim a double in the contest. Temara nailed the conversion to lock-up the scores at 28-all.

It was not long after that Canberra made themselves known once again, Madison Bartlett catching a long pass on the wing to re-gain the lead at 32-28.

Amelia Pasikala put the cherry on top, receiving an offload from Kemp to dummy and score a 30 metre try.

Dragons fullback Teagan Berry claimed a late individual try but it wasn't enough as the Raiders hung on to win 38-34 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

The Raiders look to continue with this momentum with a home game next Sunday afternoon against the Parramatta Eels.