Senior Pathways Wrap Round 24: Bulldogs Challenge Raiders

The Bulldogs answered back at the 19th minute mark off the back of an error from Raider’s fullback Chevy Stewart. Five-eighth Toby Sexton took the ball to the Raiders line before putting in a kick over the top for himself, but the bounce saw the ball end up in the hands of his halves partner, Mitchell Woods, who got the ball down for a 4-pointer. A failed conversion attempt saw the Raiders still in front by 2-points.  

After a gritty first-half battle from both sides, the Bulldogs snatched the lead just before the break. Prop Kurtis Morrin broke through the Raiders’ defensive line and charged toward the try line before squaring up and offloading inside to interchange forward Lipoi Hopoi, who crashed over to score. With Toby Sexton adding the extras, the Bulldogs headed into halftime with a 6-10 lead.

Canberra Raiders second rower, Noah Martin, opened the scoring in the second half. A high kick from halfback Ethan Sanders was brilliantly tapped back by centre Kain Anderson, allowing Martin to gather the ball and level the scores. Despite a missed conversion, the game was locked at 10-10.

On the very next set, Raider’s skipper Adam Cook broke through a gap in the Bulldogs defensive line. Fullback Chevy Stewart, trailing the play, received a sharp pass from Cook and charged toward the try line. Despite Blake Wilson’s pace closing in, Stewart powered through the tackle to score, reclaiming the lead for the Green Machine. Cook added the extras as the Raiders led 16-10.

Finding their rhythm in the second half, the Raiders claimed another try through winger Jensen Taumoepeau. A well-timed cut-out pass from Adam Cook put the ball in Taumoepeau’s hands, as he stretched out to ground it over the line. An unsuccessful conversion saw Raiders extend their lead to 20-10.

Just minutes later, the Bulldogs levelled the score with a brilliant pass from Toby Sexton, setting up Jed Reardon to time a perfect run through the Raiders’ defence and score. Sexton’s successful conversion gave the Bulldogs a 22-20 lead. However, the Raiders quickly responded as centre Manaia Waitere claimed his first try of the afternoon. A well-placed kick from Adam Cook bounced perfectly for Waitere, who grounded the ball to put the Raiders back in front. A successful conversion saw the Raiders take the win 26-22.

Talking Points 

• Raiders centre Myles Martin left the field for a HIA in the first half but was cleared to return after passing his assessment.
• Chevy Stewart has been placed on report for a biting allegation on Bulldogs fullback Taye Cochrane. Match officials came out onto the field to take picture of the alleged bite mark.

Key Moment 

It was a frantic finish to an equally frantic contest, with both sides going neck and neck throughout. In the 76th minute, the Raiders produced a brilliant final effort, with Manaia Waitere crossing for his second try to all but seal the result. But it was the Raiders' desperate defence in the dying moments that ultimately held off the Bulldogs and secured a hard-fought victory.

What’s Next?

The Canberra Raiders will be aiming to continue to build momentum as they travel to Redfern Oval to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Bulldogs take on the Western Suburbs Magpies.

HNWP: Bulldogs 16 def by Sharks 48

It was a tough afternoon at Shark Park for the Bulldogs' Harvey Norman Women's Premiership side, downed 48-16 against Cronulla-Sutherland on Sunday afternoon. 

The Bulldogs got on the front foot early through Aliahana Fuimaono, but after a number of sets defending their line, the Sharks broke through three times in quick succession to take a 14-4 lead into the break. 

The momentum continued in the second half for the Sharks, who scored four quick fire tries to extend their lead further. 

Fuimaono completed her double while Oliver added her name to the scoresheet to close the gap, however a further two tries in the dying stages saw Cronulla take home the victory. 

In Round 8, the Bulldogs will play in a blockbuster double header alongside the NRLW at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon against Mounties. 

Jersey Flegg Cup: Bulldogs 22 def by Raiders 24, Silktails 36 def Sea Eagles 16

It was a close shave between the Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders in Round 24 of the Jersey Flegg Cup, piped by just two points in a close contest.

Down 18-6 at the break with a sole try to Roy Tatapu, the Bulldogs mounted an almighty comeback in the second half after Sosaoa Kaufusi and Jope Rauqe touched down. 

A four-pointer to William Afualo bridged the gap to just two points with precious minutes left, however the Blue and Whites fell agonisingly short in a tough contest. 

In pleasing news, the Kaiviti Silktails scored a breakthrough victory against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Churchill Park in Lautoka, 36-16. 

After a back-and-forth contest, the Silktails racked up an 18-10 lead at the break thanks to a double to Seru Kalounivalu and tries to Maikeli Ratukabu and Tevita Wanisi.

Their form out of the sheds continued as further tries to Sulio Loka, Bale Vetaukula and Samuela Ratavola sealed the result with ten minutes remaining. Although the Sea Eagles managed a consolation try, a penalty in the dying stages saw the final scoreline at 36-16. 

The Silktails will host the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Prince Charles Park in Nadi in Round 25, while the Bulldogs take on the Wests Tigers at Lidcombe Oval. 

Ron Massey Cup: Bulldogs 10 def by Magpies 34

It was a tough defeat to end the season for the Ron Massey Cup Bulldogs, downed 34-10 by the Wentworthville Magpies at Hammondville Oval. 

The visitors got ahead to a 10-nil lead at the break, and continued their momentum through the second half.

The Bulldogs had the last laugh, however, with two late tries to Carson Tmalii and 
Tyrus Siana Salanoa seeing the scoreline finish at 34-10.

The Club would like to extend their congratulations to everyone involved in the 2025 Ron Massey Cup season, including players, staff and coaches.