Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton produced a promising performance in his first hit out for the year, leading his side to a come from behind 18-16 trial victory over Manly in Gosford.
Wighton put a rough start behind him to score a try and set another up as Canberra came from 16-0 down to claim the win.
Manly speedster Jason Saab got the scoring underway after intercepting a Wighton pass and sprinting 90 metres to score.
With the Raiders on the attack again, a dropped ball from Wighton saw Tolutau Koula race away to double Manly’s lead after 32 minutes.
Tom Trbojevic crossed for an easy try to make it three in a row for Manly as Canberra struggled to find any rhythm in attack, often being caught out pushing the ball too far sideways.
Wighton had clearly had enough of the sideways movement as he steamrolled right through the middle of Manly’s defence to score the Raiders first try on the stroke of halftime.
The late try gave Canberra confidence and a perfect grubber from Wighton set up an easy try for Nick Cotric after the break.
Relentless pressure from Canberra saw Joe Tapine ease over from close range to give the Raiders an 18-16 lead before torrential rain came over Gosford.
Canberra came out of the game unscathed injury wise, but Manly weren’t so lucky, with Martin Taupau (back), Haumole Olakau’atu (arm) and Dylan Walker (knee) all leaving the field.
What it means for round one
Canberra’s round one match against Cronulla is now just two weeks away and this final hit out gave a few clues as to how the Raiders might line up in the season opener.
One of the biggest debates in recent weeks has been about the fullback position, however Ricky Stuart all but confirmed Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will get the nod for round one, despite missing the trial after a positive COVID test.
“I’m leaning towards Charnze because of his experience. I’m as excited as everyone but I have to look after Xavier too. I have to ease him into the NRL. He’s certainly a talent but also a guy I want to care of. His longevity is important,” Stuart said on Fox Sports.
Manly clearly came into the game with a plan to physically target Savage as they gave him no move to room at the back. Savage spent some time on the wing and may start the season there with Jordan Rapana suspended for the opening two rounds. Seb Kris could be another contender after starting on the wing, while Albert Hopoate spent time there in the second half.
Young guns Matt Timoko and Semi Valemei were both given a chance to start at centre with Timoko the more impressive of the two.
Valemei made a few errors early in the game while Timoko finished with the most run metres for the Raiders (97m from 6 runs). Co-captain Jarrod Croker only came on for the final 25 minutes but will likely take the other centre spot against Cronulla.
Canberra’s other co-captain Elliott Whitehead looks set to make the permanent shift to lock after starting there tonight.
Hudson Young and Adam Elliott started in the second row with Corey Harawira-Naera looking dangerous after coming off the pine. Harawira-Naera was only moved to the bench after struggling with an illness, so could start on an edge in round one in place of Elliott.
Halfback Jamal Fogarty looked solid in his first outing in Raiders colours and should only improve his connection with the rest of the spine.
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