There were hints of a bobble, but the try stood, giving the former Wallaby his ninth four-pointer in as many appearances this season.
Rugby league fans are freshly marvelling at Nawaqanitawase’s ability to find the tryline, but those who follow the 15-man game have seen it time and again.
Delighted Raiders fans at Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.Credit: Getty Images
A clever flick pass and a 65-metre break were other highlights for Nawaqanitawase, but there was also a simple knock-on that helped open the door for Canberra midway through the second half.
Both teams announced changes before kick-off, with Jamal Fogarty succumbing to a groin injury and Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson shifting to the bench after having helped the Blues take a 1-0 lead at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Groans echoed around Allianz Stadium when Victory Radley hit the deck and was taken from the field in the 25th minute for a HIA. However, the Roosters forward passed his tests and returned to the action.
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Xavier Savage’s try in the 31st minute was sorely needed after the Raiders’ repeated efforts close to the Roosters’ line had previously amounted to nothing.
With the Raiders trailing 6-4, controversy erupted just before half-time when the visitors were denied a try to Simi Sasagi.
Owen Pattie was deemed to be in an offside position after Sasagi put in a grubber kick before finishing off the try himself after help from several teammates. However, Sasagi was held back by Angus Crichton, preventing him from being able to put Pattie onside.
Canberra had the try denied – to the dismay of players and coach Ricky Stuart – before James Tedesco helped the Roosters take a 12-4 lead from the ensuing penalty.
Sasagi made amends in the 45th minute by reducing the deficit to four points, before Hudson Young and Tapine bagged tries of their own to swing momentum.
Robert Toia crossed with 80 seconds remaining to make it a 26-24 scoreline and give the Roosters a glimmer of hope, before a knock-on from Radley with 25 seconds on the clock sealed an important come-from-behind result for Canberra.
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Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
