A big blow for the Raiders now as halfback Ethan Sanders takes out Brian Kelly as the Eels winger attempts to chase a kick into the Canberra in-goal. The bunker takes a look at it and rule out a penalty try, but instead Sanders is sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. With Sanders’ usual halves partner Ethan Strange away on Origin duty, the Raiders are very light on playmaking experience for the next 10 minutes.
The Eels attack Sanders’ usual place in the defensive line immediately and second-rower Kelma Tuilagi crashes through, reaches out and … drops the ball over the line. Or does he? The ball rolls out of his grasp as he tries to slam it down on the tryline, but the on-field referee awards the try. The bunker takes a look, and it’s very close, but the try is confirmed.
That looks like a tough call on the Raiders but the Eels won’t mind one bit, and they are in a great spot – even after a couple of missed conversion attempts.
Eels 8, Raiders 0 after 26 minutes
