The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have recorded their biggest comeback since 2001, overcoming a 20-0 deficit at half time to record a 32-20 win over the Canberra Raiders.
The challenge was laid before a ball was kicked at a sold-out GIO Stadium when the Bulldogs faithful started a chant at the same time as the Raiders’ Viking Clap – but it was the home side that capitalised on the atmosphere early.
The Raiders struck first through Zac Hosking, who scored in the third minute before Jamal Fogarty converted to give the his side a 6-0 lead.
They backed it up with another two tries to extend their lead to 16-0. Kaeo Weekes scored the first, followed by Xavier Savage.
The Raiders went into half time up 20-0 after Hudson Young crossed three minutes before the break.
But the Bulldogs came out fired up in the second half, scoring three tries in six minutes to narrow the scoreline to 20-16 – and well and truly swing the momentum.
Captain Stephen Crichton led the way, scoring the first and setting up the next for Jaeman Salmon, while Bailey Hayward played the perfect link-man in the lead-up to both.
Milestone man Bronson Xerri - who was celebrating his 50th NRL match - found some space down the left edge but an ankle tap chopped him down. The Dogs tried to capitliase on that run though with Connor Tracey getting over the line only to be held up by Ethan Strange.
More points weren’t far away though with Marcelo Montoya scoring seconds later off a ball from Viliame Kikau, before Toby Sexton sent Max King over untouched to lock scores up at 20-all.
The Bulldogs were on a mission as they charged in two more tries. Matt Burton set up Kikau before Kiraz crossed off some quick hands from Crichton.
The skipper converted the final try to seal a 32-20 win – and the Club’s first in Canberra since 2015.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 (Crichton, Salmon, Montoya, King, Kikau, Kiraz tries; Crichton 4/6 goals) def Canberra Raiders 20 (Hosking, Weekes, Savage, Young tries; Fogarty 2/4 goals)
